The Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Charles Aniagwu, said the state proposed N50 billion in its 2025 budget estimates to enhance road infrastructure in the 25 local government areas of the state.

Mr Aniagwu said this during a budget defence meeting with the Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects on Wednesday in Asaba.

”It is worthy of note to mention that the ministry, in the exercise of the ‘MORE Agenda’, made a deliberate effort to spread projects across the 25 LGAs to the tune of N50 billion in the 2025 budget estimates,” he said.

Mr Aniagwu said his ministry was created from the defunct Ministry of Works.

According to him, the ministry is responsible for formulating policies within the corridor of civil engineering works in the rural and riverine communities and other areas designated by the state.

Mr Aniagwu, who also stood in for the Commissioner for Works (Urban and Highways), Reuben Izeze, presently on vacation, said his ministry would focus on the completion of ongoing projects and major projects that would impact the various communities.

He also restated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s determination to build rural roads that would help improve the living standards of the people.

The commissioner recalled that the governor promised to complete all the projects he inherited and initiate new ones during the campaign.

The commissioner also said the state government was reviewing the cost of some projects to meet the present economic reality occasioned by increased prices of materials.

Mr Aniagwu, however, commended the committee members for their support.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Collins Egbetamah, commended the ministry and promised to look into their request.

The Direct Labour Agency also appeared before the committee for its budget defence.

(NAN)