Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
There was jubilation in Effurun-Warri in Uvwie and Warri South local government areas of Delta State, yesterday, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori performed the ground-breaking ceremony of N78 billion four-star projects.
It is the first time a first class construction firm, Julius Berger Plc, would be handling such a huge construction project in the state.
The four projects include, “Design and construction of flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun, to Marine Gate in Uvwie and Warri South local government areas.
“Study, design and 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.
“Design and construction of flyover bridge at PTI Junction, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area. Design and construction of flyover at DSC roundabout, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.”
Performing the ground breaking ceremony, Oborevwori described the occasion as the fulfilment of a promise he made to the people after his inauguration as governor on May 29 this year.
The governor vowed to aggressively pursue the upgrading of roads across the three senatorial districts of the state in line with his MORE Agenda.
He disclosed that the cumulative contract sum for the four projects was N77, 997,159,339.91, saying they would be completed in 27 months.
The governor said the strategic projects were aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced from Effurun Roundabout, through PTI Road Junction to DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway at Effurun. He said the projects would also help to ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.
Oborevwori stated, “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.”
Oborevweri enjoined motorists and pedestrians in the area to be patient, orderly, and obey traffic rules and regulations to facilitate ease of movement and reduce travel time through the construction area. He added that the contractors required the understanding and maximum cooperation of the citizens to deliver the projects on schedule.
He also encouraged motorists to use the alternative routes in the vicinity whenever feasible to reduce the volume of traffic in the construction area, adding that the state government has commenced a programme of maintenance and rehabilitation of the alternative routes to reduce the inconvenience travellers and motorists will experience.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, lauded Oborevwori for the vision to execute the projects. Izeze stated that it was the first time in the history of the state that Julius Berger would be executing projects for the state government.
Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Lars Richter, also commended the state government for the vision and insight to invest in the special infrastructure in the twin-cities. Richter thanked Oborevwori for finding the company worthy to execute the projects. He assured that the company will deliver the work on schedule and in line with specifications.
On his part, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, praised Oborevwori for the project and for remembering the Uvwie people, assuring that they would protect the project.
The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, described the project as a symbol of unity and pledged the support of the people of Warri towards their successful completion.
Chairmen of Uvwie and Warri South local government areas, Hon. Ransom Onoyake and Dr. Michael Tidi, respectively, in their separate remarks, said the people of the area were happy with the project delivery efforts of Oborevwori and would cooperate with the contractor to ensure prompt delivery.
