The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely delivery of durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the state, warning communities and contractors against the indiscriminate installation of illegal speed bumps on public roads.
The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comr. Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing road rehabilitation and construction projects in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the 13-kilometre Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usieffurun–Orhuwhorun Road rehabilitation project, Izeze said the intervention was aimed at reducing travel time and improving connectivity for residents, particularly commuters within Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun and Ekakpamre.
He noted that, although, the project awarded in June 2024, had recorded appreciable progress, it was facing challenges, especially drainage issues arising from an existing natural water channel along the corridor.
“This is another important project designed to ease movement and reduce travel time for our people. It is a 13-kilometre rehabilitation, and while work so far is commendable, some challenges still exist. We have taken note of them and will present them to His Excellency in Asaba,” the commissioner said.
According to him, addressing the drainage concerns was critical to ensuring the long-term durability of the road, particularly during the rainy season.
He added that the ministry had urged the contractor to accelerate work to enable asphalt laying before the rains fully set in.
“We need an effective discharge system to properly channel floodwaters. We are hopeful that these issues will be resolved so the road can stand the test of time,” Izeze stated.
On the Effurun–Otor/Iwhrekekan–Ughevwughe–Eruemukohwaren–Otor-Edo–Usieffurun Road project in Ughelli South, the commissioner disclosed that about 4.2 kilometres of drainage works had been completed, with the project now awaiting the wearing course and installation of some concrete slabs.
He expressed concern over the slow pace of work along the Ughevwughe axis but noted that the contractor had since returned to site.
“That project has taken longer than expected, but we are pleased that the contractor is back on site. We are optimistic that the asphalt overlay will be completed within the next couple of months,” he said.
Izeze added that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would be briefed on the need for approval of additional remedial works to ensure communities such as Otor-Edo fully benefit from the project.
He assured that engineers from the ministry were closely monitoring the work and that the contractor was operating within the provisions of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
The commissioner also issued a strong warning against the unauthorised erection of speed breakers, particularly on newly rehabilitated roads.
He disclosed that the ministry would soon embark on a public sensitisation campaign, in collaboration with state-owned media, to educate residents of Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun, Ekrokpe and adjoining communities on the need to obtain official approval before installing speed breakers.
“Fixing speed breakers on any road requires the approval of the ministry. Anyone who installs a speed breaker without authorisation will face consequences,” he warned, adding that illegal speed breakers increase travel time and pose safety risks to road users.
He further stated that any speed breaker installed by a contractor without approval must be removed at the contractor’s expense.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Obakpor Engineering, the construction firm handling the project, Mr Ricardo Oguma, said the work had been challenging due to the densely built-up nature of the communities and intense human activities along the corridor.
He explained that some speed bumps were installed at busy junctions to moderate traffic flow, noting that the road serves as a major route within the area.
“Our total drainage provision is about 750 metres along the 13-kilometre stretch, which is what was captured in the project, and we have completed it,” Oguma said, while commending the host communities for their cooperation.
The inspection, Izeze said, underscored the Oborevwori administration’s resolve to deliver people-centred infrastructure projects while upholding quality standards, safety and value for money across Delta State.
