The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, has announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s urban renewal plans for the state are starting to show tangible results across urban centers, particularly in Warri.
During an inspection of the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Road, Esisi Road, and Hospital Road in Warri, Mr Aniagwu highlighted the progress made in the ongoing renovation efforts. Accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, Aniagwu emphasized that the resurfacing of the road network symbolizes the Governor’s commitment to urban renewal in Warri and other urban areas throughout the state.
Speaking to journalists in Warri, Mr Aniagwu expressed his satisfaction with the work done so far, stating, “We are happy that our urban renewal programme is indeed yielding good results. You can see that the governor’s intention to do more for the people is also yielding fruits and so the people are happy.”
He went on to mention the inspection of roads in Sapele, where similar construction projects are underway to enhance the infrastructure and beautify the area. Aniagwu also noted plans for groundbreaking ceremonies to initiate further road construction works in Sapele.
Acknowledging the progress made on the roads supervised by his colleague in the Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Mr Aniagwu highlighted the completion of most sections of the Hospital Road, with only a small portion left for final touches due to an incomplete local government project. He assured that efforts will be made to address this issue promptly.
The commissioner praised the contractor for the quality of work done and expressed optimism that Governor Oborevwori would soon commission the completed roads, marking the official commencement of their usage.
He said that with these developments, it is evident that Governor Oborevwori’s urban renewal vision is gradually transforming the infrastructure landscape of Delta State’s urban areas, bringing improved facilities and enhanced connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
On the payment of compensation for structures along the right of way in the Sapele projects, Aniagwu explained that, “If your structure is on the right of way and it happened that you didn’t build where you are not supposed to build, definitely, we will compensate you.
“But there are those who intentionally left their plot of lands and decided to encroach on the right of road that were already created before now; we are not going to compensate them because they built their fence or shops on the road.”
The Commissioner explained that the state government always made provision for drains to ensure the durability of roads, adding that, “a number of the roads constructed, we have ensured that they have dual side drains, depending on the topography of the area and how the water flows. There are some areas that you can build just one drain so that it does not affect the pavement of the road.
“Drains are not just to beautify the roads but also to ensure that the roads last longer because you are able to take away the flood water to a particular water channel.
“So, be rest assured that, as a government, we are constructing roads that will suit our people because the first reason why we are in government is because they have given us the mandate. Like you know, to whom much is given, much is expected.
“Our people in Delta made sacrifices by electing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; so, the governor himself is going to make sacrifice by serving them to the best of his ability.”
On some failed Federal Government roads in the state, Aniagwu said, “we have, even before now, intervened in some of the federal roads you are talking about. We also plead with the Federal Government to fast track the rehabilitation of those roads.
“We were told that some of them are under contracts. For instance, if you go to Asaba and heading to Onitsha, we are told that it is under contract.
“A while ago, I spoke to the acting Zonal Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works and he told me that they are hoping that, in about a weeks time, the contractor will return to site.
“Our people are having harrowing experience motoring along that corridor. The funny thing is that, you can’t just come to take action on a road under contract. You will need to do some form of negotiations. We are hoping that the contractor goes back to site.”
The Commissioner also inspected the recently completed Obi-Ibabu-Ibabu road in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state and expressed dissatisfaction with its finishing .
