Oborevwori Tasks Contractor to Restore Failed Portions of Benin-Asaba Highway Quickly

• Commissioner Launches Warri South’s Zero Tolerance For Portholes

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged the Federal Government’s contractor to rehabilitate failed portions of the Benin-Asaba highway to expedite the work.

Oborevwori, speaking through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated that the plea was necessary due to the untold hardship caused by the failure of sections of the highway on motorists using the route.

The Commissioner addressed journalists at Ezenei junction in Asaba, the state capital, on Thursday. He stated that the Governor was concerned about the failed portions of the highway.

According to him, the failed portions of the Benin-Asaba highway, particularly the Ezenei Junction, have become a major source of concern for the state government.

According to Aniagwu, “Governor Oborevwori has been very disturbed about it, and as you may recall, he had previously asked me to come and see what we could do to make it motorable for our people.

“When we arrived, we discovered that the job had already been contracted by the Federal Government. We discussed this with the contractor, and we were unable to proceed.

“We have continued to apply pressure on the contractor because it is difficult to come in and take over something that has already been contracted to someone else, especially when the project belongs to the Federal Government, which has already awarded the contract.

“But Governor Oborevwori had continued to put pressure on us to get the Federal Government Contractor to come to the site, and we can now tell you that we were able to convince the Federal Government Contractor to leave other areas and come down here.

“He should have arrived earlier, but we discovered that the materials he needed to complete the repairs were stuck along the Auchi axis due to bad roads, so the trucks transporting them could not proceed.

“We pleaded with him to take steps to source materials from other areas, and he was able to obtain additional materials from Benin, though he is still waiting for the remaining materials from Auchi.

“He has also stated that equipment will be deployed once he has sufficient materials to begin the job.”

Aniagwu urged motorists to be patient while efforts were made to repair the deplorable sections of the road.

His words, “We appeal to our people to bear with us; we could not have jumped into this particular road when there is already a contractor who is ready to work but is experiencing difficulties due to materials stuck elsewhere.

“We will continue to put pressure on the contractor to work more quickly. Fortunately, you saw the number of trucks bringing in materials, with many more on the way.

“We hope that by the time this section of the road is finished, our people will have easy access to the Eastern flank, as this is the main road to the East.

“Secondly, it will protect our internal roads because those that divert from this corridor will also be inspected.

“Once this place is fixed, it will restore the beauty of this area, and we do hope that the contractor hired by the Federal Government will be able to quickly complete this road to save our people from the agony they are experiencing while navigating this section of the road.”

Meanwhile, Comrade Reuben Izeze, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), has launched the Warri South Local Government Council’s “Operation Zero Tolerance for Portholes and Road Markings,” an initiative spearheaded by Council Chairman Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.

Izeze raised the flag at a brief ceremony at Warri’s former Shell Main Gate, calling on the people to continue to support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration by remaining peaceful and coexisting with the city’s various ethnic groups.

He praised the Warri South Council’s chief executive for his efforts to rebrand the city and urged him not to lose momentum.

Izeze stated, “I am at a ceremony, and there are no security personnel protecting anyone. I recall that once upon a time in Warri, to move from one end to the other, you had to ensure that you were not tagged by one or both sides of the conflict.

“For this reason, I must commend our very young and dynamic Chairman for ensuring that all of you sit peacefully under the same canopy.

“That implies that the young man you have chosen to be your Chairman has a vision, and hearing him speak about a road connecting Omadino and Obodo is very commendable.

“As I was crossing the bridge today, I noticed that all of the tall grasses that looked like elephant grasses had been cut and cleaned, and I mentioned that Warri-South Local Government now has a Chairman who understands environmental aesthetics. So, Mr. Chairman sir, I applaud you for what you have started and hope that you will continue it.

“Many people will wonder why we are remarking roads. The truth is that appropriate road markings reduce accidents, and if accidents are reduced, you have taken care of the people’s welfare, which is the essence of government.

“I have heard some of what you are doing, and I would like to point out that the Governor was correct in listening to your leaders, who chose you as their preferred candidate to present to the electorate for the election.

“Within the last 65 days of your administration, I can confirm that you have brought youth and dynamism to the administration of Warri South Local Government Council.

“One other thing I noticed during your speech is that Warri South has always been blessed with eloquent men, and based on the testimonies, visuals, and news items we have seen over the last 65 days, it is clear that you have backed up your eloquence with action.

“As you go about marking roads and fixing potholes, I want to appeal to you. You see, with the APC-led federal government’s inconsistent promises, the hunger in the land has quadrupled; so as you fix roads, please remember that there are potholes in the stomachs of eveur own aides, leaders, and people.”

At Omadino, the Commissioner praised Agbateyiniro for starting the road construction project, which will alleviate the suffering of the Omadino and Obodo communities.

“A council chairman constructing a road is highly commendable, and I want to congratulate, encourage, and urge you to continue as you have begun. Do not slow down; there is still much to be done.”

Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Chairman of the Warri South Local Government Council, stated that the ceremony was significant because of the importance his administration places on Warri rebranding.

He paid tribute to Council leaders who encouraged him to pursue the projects he promised the people during his election campaign.

He stated, “Today’s event is historic because of the calibre of leaders who have taken time out of their busy schedules to contribute to this project.

“This project demonstrates my administration’s unwavering determination to ensure that all portholes on roads in Warri South are not only patched but also properly marked with appropriate signage.

“We are also starting construction on the Obodo-Omadino Road, which I promised the people during the campaigns.

“We want to rebrand Warri, and I can tell you that it is already taking shape. We want Warri to become the metropolitan city that it deserves.”

Representatives from the impacted communities of Omadino and Obodo, Mr Andrew Ukavwe and Godwin Tsola thanked the Chairman for the road reconstruction.

They praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support of the state’s councils and for appointing Hon. Agbateyiniro, describing him as a man for the season.

Guests at the ceremony included the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Val Arenyeka; Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Matthew Opuoru; Warri South Vice Chairman, Hon Kingsley Edafiadjebre; former State Director of Protocols, Hon. Toritseju Abigor; Chief Vincent Ukudolor; and Omimi Esquire.