Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure and timely project delivery in the state.

Mr Oborevwori spoke while inspecting the progress of work on the 12.12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road and the Phase II of the Oko-Anala–Oko-Ogbele–Oko-Odifili Road projects.

He said his site visit was to personally assess the progress of the work rather than rely solely on engineers’ reports.

“I did not just come here casually; I came to personally inspect and see for myself the level of work,” the governor said. “Follow-up is as important as groundbreaking and commissioning ceremonies.”

He said he began giving serious consideration to the Ugbolu–Okpanam project around July last year, due to the persistent movement challenges residents along the corridor faced.

The governor recalled that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project was performed in October.

Mr 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 Okpanam sits on higher ground, causing water to flow into surrounding lower areas, which, over the years, has led to severe flooding in its neighbouring communities.

Mr Oborevwori also said 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.

The governor 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 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 the road project, he restated his insistence on meaningful progress and strict adherence to timelines.

He said the project was structured in phases, with Phase I covering approximately 4.7 kilometres and now completed, while Phase II, spanning about five kilometres, remained outstanding.

Mr Oborevwori described the terrain as “extremely challenging,” saying 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.

Mr Oborevwori urged the contractor to intensify efforts and complete the project before the end of this year or early 2027.

(NAN)