Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, on Thursday, defied the heavy rainfall to perform the groundbreaking of the 12-kilometre Ugbolu-Okpanam road project in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The groundbreaking ceremony had earlier been postponed due to poor weather conditions and heavy rainfall the previous week.

The governor, while performing the function at Ugbolu, disclosed that the total cost of the project was about ₦21 billion.

He noted that the event marked a furtherance of his administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructural projects across the state in line with his M.O.R.E. Agenda mantra.

According to the governor, the delivery of infrastructure is the fulfilment of goals nine and 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

“It goes with the saying that road infrastructure is a core developmental need that is always in demand.

“A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth; it facilitates ease of movement of goods and services and reduces transportation costs,” the governor said.

He noted that the Ugbolu-Okpanam road provided a vital link with the capacity to boost economic activities in the area and ensure improved living conditions for residents in the fast-growing communities within the state capital territory.

He said, “The contract for the construction of this road has been awarded at the total cost of ₦21.3 billion, and the government has made an advance payment of 40 per cent, amounting to ₦8.5 billion, to the contracting firm.”

He said that the road would have drainages on both sides, adding that the government would not entertain any upward review or variations of the contract sum.

The governor charged the contracting firm to deliver the project in record time, as the government was ready to keep to its term of agreement by paying all certificates in due time.

Mr Oborevwori said, “As of today, my administration is not owing any contractor, whether for inherited or newly awarded projects.”

He, therefore, charged the contractor, Levant, to reciprocate the good gesture of government by delivering the project in record time and specification.

In a welcome address, Innocent Esewezie, chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, lauded the governor for the project and many others executed in the LGA.

He assured the governor of the people’s resolve to continue to support his administration to achieve greater success.

He recalled that the ceremony was initially scheduled for October 7 but had to be postponed due to weather conditions, commending the governor for personally honouring his promise to perform the groundbreaking.

Mr Esewezie noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road represents more than physical construction, describing it as “a testament to the governor’s transformative M.O.R.E. Agenda”.

According to him, the local government had fully aligned with the governor’s policies through localised development initiatives covering roads, markets, youth empowerment, and education.

He said, “Our confidence in your government remains absolute. The people of Oshimili North are proud to partake in the dividends of your administration’s developmental strides.”

Also speaking, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, Michael Mbanefo, lauded the governor for his progressive leadership and commitment to community development.

He described the project as “a symbol of unity, connectivity, and growth” and pledged the kingdom’s continued support for the Oborevwori administration.

On his part, Elie Tannous, the managing director of Levant Construction Company, commended the governor for entrusting his firm with the project, assuring that the company would execute the job within schedule and in strict adherence to quality standards.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the state deputy governor, Monday Onyeme; deputy national chairman (South) of APC, Emma Eneukwu; state chairman of the APC, Omeni Sobotie; top government functionaries; traditional rulers; community leaders; and others.

(NAN)