Delta State Government, Friday, restated its commitment to quality assurance in its drive for accelerated infrastructural renewals and development across the state, especially in the urban centres.
The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, stated this while inspecting the progress of work on some road projects in Ughelli metropolis, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Comrade Izeze explained that good road infrastructure is a key component of the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevrwori’s led administration and that it was determined to make huge success in that regard.
The Commissioner who was conducted round the project sites by Olorogun John Oguma, Chairman Obamkpor Engineering, the contracting firm handling the project for the State government, stated that his office can not afford to compromise standards on projects under its supervision.
Flanked by Ministry Officials, Comrade Izeze, a two-term Member of the Delta State House of Assembly, disclosed that the four major link road projects in the Ughelli Urban area were awarded to decongest the daily gridlock at the Otowodo junction of the Ughelli-Patani East-West Expressway and environs.
He commended Obakpor Engineering Company, the Contracting Firm handling the projects, for the high-quality job and speediness of work, a few weeks after it mobilized to the site.
He said, “For long-term durability, the State Government decided to award concrete roads design with drains on both sides to distill water to natural waterways.
“I am impressed with the projects so far, most especially the pace of work done few weeks after the Contractor mobilized to the site. The MORE administration of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevrwori is in a hurry to bring development to all parts of the state.’
The Commissioner stated that Governor Oborevrwori‘s resolve to expand and complete all critical ongoing projects, including those initiated by past administrations in the state was novel and has received so much commendation within and outside Delta State.
Izeze emphasized that the Governor has offered himself for service and requires the support, understanding, patience and cooperation of Deltans to succeed.
The Commissioner assured of regular visits to project sites across the state for first-hand knowledge of the progress of work and to ensure that jobs awarded were being executed in accordance with the Bill of Quality, BOQ.
“I must appreciate and acknowledge the high quality of equipment, manpower and quality materials deployed by Obakpor Engineering company to execute the project. Delta State Government will continue to patronize contractors that deliver quality projects in line with the Ministry’s Bill of Quantity, BOQ”.
He stated that the days when contractors built poor and substandard roads were over, warning that any firm found executing shoddy jobs would face the law and refund every penny given to it by the government.
Chairman, Obakpor Engineering, Olorogu John Oguma, said his firm has been providing super-standard roads and bridges in the state for decades and assured Deltans of more quality services.
He said the Engineering Company will continue to invest in the best equipment and machines to give its best to the government and people of the state.
In his reaction, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr Ricardo Oguma, said the Engineering Company has made its mark as a leading construction company in the state and would continue to keep a high profile in delivering quality projects in the state.
He assured that the Ughelli projects would be delivered within a period of one year and commended the government of Delta State for patronizing firms with the projects.
The Ministry’s Engineer supervising the projects, Senikwe Oghenerume said the two side drains and earthwork have been completed in most areas of the job to pave the way for reinforcement of ironwork and laying of stone base and asphalting.
Residents were full of gratitude to the State Governor, Rt Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori for his intervention with the road projects which they said will enhance the socio-economic lives of the people.
They said due to the bad road over the years, economic activities in the area had collapsed, even as they assured the state government of adequate support.
In a related development, the State government has assured of sound synergy between it and all development partners.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance while on Inspection of Midsea Geotechnical services, a 120 tons per hour Asphalt Plant situated at Kilometer 5, Merije, in Effurun-Sapele Express Way, Okpe local government area.
Comrade Izeze commended the initiative to establish the Asphalt Plant for easy access to materials for construction business and other related purposes in the localities.
He said the Plant has also opened up the area for development in addition to other multiple gains of having such a gigantic establishment in the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, and his team Friday defiled the heavy downpour to inspect the perennial flooding at Cousin Street, Pat Willie Road and Sunny Eru crescent off Orhuwhorun Road in Udu local government area.
Comrade Izeze who empathized with the people on the flooding challenge, said the Governor will be briefed accordingly on the issue.
Residents appealed to the state government for the construction of drainages and roads to mitigate the effect of the perennial flooding experienced in the area.
