Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, yesterday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure and timely project delivery in the state.
Oborevwori spoke while inspecting the progress of work on the 12.12-kilometre Ugbolu – Okpanam Road and Phase II of Oko-Anala – Oko-Ogbele – Oko-Odifili Road projects.
He said his site visit was to personally assess the progress of work rather than rely solely on reports from the engineers.
“I did not just come here casually, I came to personally inspect and see for myself the level of work.
“Follow-up is as important as groundbreaking and commissioning ceremonies,” the governor said.
He said that he began to give serious consideration to the Ugbolu–Okpanam project around July last year, due to the persistent movement challenges experienced by residents along the corridor.
He recalled that groundbreaking ceremony for the project was performed in October.
Oborevwori said though the original timeline for the project completion was 18 months, “the contractor has assured the State Government of completion by the end of the year”.
He said the project was designed with 7.7-metre-wide concrete drains on both sides, with an overall width of approximately 11 metres and an eight-metre main carriageway.
According to him, the extensive drainage system is critical, considering the flooding challenges in the area.
He said that Okpanam sits on a higher ground, causing water to flow into surrounding lower areas, which had over the years led to severe flooding around its neighbouring communities.
Oborevwori also said that the ongoing construction of comprehensive drainage channels in the state capital territory, would help to redirect water safely to the river and significantly address flooding concerns.
He said: “Some of the previous drains were either single or double but not adequate to handle the volume of water.
“We are ensuring that this drainage infrastructure is comprehensive and durable. Residents will notice the difference during the rainy season”.
Oborevwori described the road as strategically important as it connects Ugbolu and Okpanam communities, enhances socio-economic activities, and promotes unity between urban and semi-urban areas.
He also said that his administration was deliberate about inclusive development, adding that infrastructure projects were being spread across various local government areas to ensure balanced growth.
“We are not only constructing flyovers and roads in urban centres; we are also extending infrastructure to rural communities. Development must be balanced,” the governor said.
Speaking after inspecting the Phase II Oko-Anala – Oko-Ogbele – Oko-Odifili Road project, he restated his insistence on meaningful progress and strict adherence to timelines.
He said that the project was structured in phases, with Phase I covering approximately 4.7 kilometres now completed, while Phase II, which spans about five kilometres, remained outstanding.
Oborevwori described the terrain as “extremely challenging”, saying that large quantities of unsuitable clay soil had to be excavated and removed to ensure a stable foundation.
“If you do not properly remove unsuitable soil and stabilise the base before filling, the road will not last,” he said.
He disclosed that the contractor had initially projected the completion of Phase II by August 2027, a timeline he, however, rejected.
Oborevwori assured residents on the Oko-Anala – Oko-Ogbele – Oko-Odifili Road corridor that the State Government had fully mobilised the contractor with funds, adding that there were no financial constraints from the government’s side.
He urged the contractor to intensify effort and complete the project before the end of this year or early 2027.
He said, “If contractors want more jobs from this administration, they must deliver quality work and complete projects in record time.
“We believe in standard, and we will not compromise on quality.”