The Special Adviser to the Delta State governor on Project Monitoring and Audit, Dr. GoodNews Agbi has commended and expressed satisfaction at the level of construction work done by the contractor handling the Orere-Ewu bridge in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
The over 500-metre bridge was awarded by the immediate past administration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
Agbi gave the commendation while on inspection of Orere-Ewu bridge, Ughelli South Local Government Area, construction of Oreh Road from Isoko junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area, construction of Edo Road from Isoko road to Agbarho-otor.
He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Project Monitoring and Audit, Mrs Esejo, Chief Francis Ighoraye (EA), Sir Boniface Imodje (SSA), Pastor Ken Otuya (SSA), Engr Yebu Ladina, Odio Odafe (SA) was impressed with the construction and the high level of supervision.
The chairman of Obakpo Engineering Limited, Olorogun John Oguma, briefed Dr Agbi that all the supervision and construction of the bridge were carried out by Nigerian engineers and specialists.
Agbi and his team were so happy that the indigenous contractor could build a parabolic bridge with perfect abutments, piers and precast beams.
He said, “On the approach, artistically it is a very good job and I am proud of it that a Nigerian, an African is doing this good job and all the team of Engineers are Deltans and Nigerians.
“Instead of bringing foreign hands as engineers who might not be Engineers in their countries to come and take the jobs we can do successfully, we should patronize and engage our people who are specialists.
“I am glad with what I saw today and can say generally that I am proud of Obakpor Engineering for what they have done on this parabolic bridge and anybody that comes here won’t believe that this bridge was executed by Obakpor Engineering with Nigeria Engineers.
“In line with the governor’s MORE Agenda, the governor wants Deltans to get the best from the jobs that are being executed everywhere in the state and this is one of the reasons he brought Julius Berger to work in Delta state.
“But when we now see Nigerians doing this kind of job that is in line with the MORE Agenda, I think more Nigerians should be encouraged especially Deltans.
“In all my inspections so far, this is the only place that I have seen a professional structural job being done and I am glad.
“Am very sure that those at the top will remember Obakpor Engineering for this type of job because we are trying to talk about dollars
“If Nigerians can do these things, why bring foreigners who are not even engineers in their own country and their jobs are not perfect?”
Agbi further urged every indigenous contractor in the State to strive to put up their best to align with the MORE Agenda of the Governor Oborevwori-led administration.
He recommended that Civil Engineering students should try to visit the Orere-Ewu Bridge and see what indigenous engineering company, Obakpo Engineering has achieved.
On his part, Engineer Frank Uwhuseba said that the Orere bridge contract has been on for two to three years and it should be noted that every year, we are sacked out of this place for about four months because of flood.
“Despite the flood menace, the job is on a fast track and as you can see, we are already casting, at the top, we have floodlight that enables us to work day and night and before the end of next month, the deck will be through.
“The communities are happy with the job and we have a cordial relationship and anytime they come here, they see new face of the job being done.”
Agbi also inspected two other roads, Edo Road and Ore Road from Isoko Road where the contractor, Obakpo Engineering was busy working with the same high-level supervision.
He also commended the contractor for vigorously working on all three sites visited.
