…as Tidi assures Oborevwori of total cooperation
by Francis Sadhere, Warri
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday performed the ground breaking ceremony for the N78billion flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri axis of the state.
The four projects are; Construction of Flyover Bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas, Construction of Road Expansion And Improvement Works on the Section Of DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun Roundabout To DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway including Construction of a ¾ Cloverleaf Interchange at the Existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two Pedestrian Bridges, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Others are; Construction of Flyover Bridge at PTI Junction, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area and Construction of Flyover at DSC Roundabout, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area
In his address, Governor Oborevwori revealed that the cumulative contract sum for the four projects is seventy-seven billion, nine hundred and ninety-seven million, one hundred and fifty-nine thousand, three hundred and thirty-nine-naira, and ninety-one kobo (N77,997,159,339.91) only, adding that the contractor has a completion period of twenty-seven-months.
He said that the four strategic projects were aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun Roundabout, through PTI Road Junction to DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway at Effurun. According to him, the projects will also ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.
The Delta State Governor also urged the contractor to work relentlessly to meet the schedule they have agreed to. He called on the immediate communities and their leaders to appreciate the enormous investment government is making and join hands with them to ensure the speedy completion of these projects.
“I stand here today filled with joy and excitement as we begin the process of giving Warri the desired facelift with this groundbreaking ceremony which signals the commencement of construction of four key projects in the Warri/Effurun Metropolis. It is the fulfillment of a promise I made after my inauguration as Governor on May 29, this year.
“My dear good people of Delta State, you will recall that the state government signed a contract with construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. for the execution of the projects that are commencing today. We have released the agreed sum as advance payment to the contractor, which on its part commenced surveys, final designs, sub-soil tests, and other activities precedent to the commencement of actual construction works. These are in addition to the establishment of site yards, offices, and life camps.
“These four strategic projects are aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun Roundabout, through PTI Road Junction to 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.
“As I said during the contract signing ceremony, these projects will not only change the face of the Warri-Effurun Metropolis, they will also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by commuters.
“As is often the case with road constructions of this nature there will be direct employment opportunities for our people, especially engineers, artisans, and labourers. Food vendors and suppliers, transporters, quarry operators and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.
“It is important to acknowledge that these roads are strategic and very busy roads in the region. Consequently, the construction works would result in traffic disruptions, diversions, and other inconveniences to motorists and commuters. The Government and contractor are aware of these challenges and would take all reasonable steps to minimize the disruptions.
“Let me conclude by saying that the projects commencing today underscore our commitment snd determination to improve road and transport infrastructure as contained in the MORE Agenda of this administration. We shall continue to aggressively upgrade them across the three senatorial districts in the state as this will drive development in other sectors, Oborevwori said.
On his part, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr Michael Tidi, assured the Governor that the youth in both Way Warri South and Uvwie council areas have resolved to protect and ensure that the project is delivered as scheduled.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for bringing such gigantic project to the twin city of Warri and Uvwie, Tidi said that the four projects were unprecedented in the history of the state.
“I can say this with all certainty that I and the Uvwie chairman have spoken to our youths and they have all resolved to support the project and we have also communicated this to our Excellency, the Governor of Delta State.
“Your Excellency, it suffices it to say that myself and the Uvwie council chairman, Mr Ramson Onoyake, have spoken with the youths of these two local government areas and they have resolved to give their immense support to the project considering the anti deve law which still subsist. They are mindful of this and they are ready to give their total support . Our royal majesties from both local government areas have equally warned their subjects to give total support to these project.
“It’s on this note that I want to convey the gratitude of the good people of Warri South for this good initiative. Yes indeed history is been repeated having Julius Berger in Warri after so many years,” Tidi said.
Earlier, Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Dr. Lars Richter said the project will be delivered within twenty seven months construction time.
He commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s led Delta State Government for giving the construction work to Julius Berger to handle for the State.
On his part, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM. Emmanuel Sideso Abe I on behalf of the people of Uvwie Kingdom thanked Governor Oborevwori for making it possible that Uvwie Kingdom which is the gateway to Warri benefits from the project.
The monarch said they will ensure the protection of the project from the beginning to the end.
HRM. Abe I advised the Management of Julius Berger not to move out of site because they have not been paid. I can assure you that my son, the governor will pay “.
While noting that the people are qualified for employment, HRM. Abe I said, “Our youths need to be engaged. We will make sure the project is completed without any disturbances.”
The Olu of Warri Kingdom,HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse III who was represented by Dr. Rolland Oritsejafor, former Minister of Defence hailed the governor just as he vowed to support and ensure that the project becomes a reality.
The revered monarch said,”This is a special project that unites almost everybody. It’s a project of unity.
High point of the ceremony was ground breaking of the project by governor Oborevwori.
Present at the ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State and others.
