Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has assured that his administration will continue to aggressively upgrade roads across the three senatorial districts in the state.

Mr Oborevwori gave the assurance on Monday in Effurun during the groundbreaking ceremony of the N77.9 billion road and flyover projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. 

The governor noted that the road was critical infrastructure driving the development of other sectors of the economy.

The four projects were awarded to the construction giant in Uvwie and Warri South local government areas of the state.

“The projects are as follows: the design and construction of a flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun, to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South LGAs.

“The design and construction of road expansion and improvement work on the section of the DSC/NPA expressway from Effurun Roundabout to the DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway.

“The project includes the construction of a three-quarter Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

“The design and construction of a flyover bridge at PTI Junction, on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area,” the governor stated. 

Mr Oborevwori said the cumulative contract sum for the four projects was over N77.99 billion, adding that the contractor had a completion period of 27 months.

“It is the fulfilment of a promise I made after my inauguration as governor on May 29 this year. We have released the agreed sum as an advance payment to the contractor.

“These four strategic projects are aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun Roundabout, through PTI Road Junction, and DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway at Effurun.

“They will also ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen Junction, Effurun, to Marine Gate, Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South local government areas,” he said.

He said that because of the strategic nature of the roads in the region, construction works would result in traffic disruptions, diversions, and other inconveniences to motorists and commuters.

Mr Oborevwori, however, said the government and the contractor would take all reasonable steps to minimise the disruptions.

The governor advised motorists to use alternative routes in the vicinity whenever feasible to reduce the volume of traffic in the construction area.

Mr Oborevwori, however, urged the immediate communities and their leaders to appreciate the enormous investment the government was making and solicited their support to ensure the speedy completion of the projects.

Earlier, Lars Richter, the managing director of Julius Berger PLC, assured that the project would be delivered within 27 months.

On his part, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, promised to ensure the projects came to fruition.

(NAN)