EFFURUN/Nigeria: The Delta State Government on Monday conducted a pre-handover inspection of the DSC Roundabout Flyover in Effurun, marking another major milestone toward the completion of one of the state’s flagship urban infrastructure projects.
The inspection was led by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, alongside a high-powered, multidisciplinary government delegation. Members of the team included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Val Arenyeka; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Tuoyo Abigor; the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba; the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Engr. Bob Nakpodia; senior engineers from the Ministry of Works; and representatives of the project contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Addressing journalists during the exercise, Comrade Izeze said the visit was a pre-handover inspection aimed at assessing the level and quality of work executed on the flyover ahead of the final inspection and formal takeover by the state government.
“This visit is to enable us carry out a pre-handover inspection of the DSC Roundabout Flyover and see the level of work that has been done so far. The flyover aspect of the project is about 98 per cent completed,” he said.
According to him, the contractor invited the state government to inspect the project at this stage to allow any observations or concerns to be addressed before the final handover.
“We were invited by the contractor to make our observations now, so that any issues identified can be corrected ahead of the final inspection and formal handover,” Izeze added.
He explained that the inspection team moved from the Agbarho end of the flyover through to the Effurun axis, carefully examining the structure and related works, expressing satisfaction with the quality of construction and adherence to specifications.
“From what we have seen, we are satisfied with the level of work done so far. We expect that by the time we return, based on the contractor’s invitation, the project would have attained 100 per cent completion,” the commissioner stated.
Although the project does not fall directly under his ministry, Barr. Arenyeka emphasised the strategic importance of the flyover and adjoining road network to Delta State’s agricultural value chain, noting that improved infrastructure would enhance the movement of food produce from farming communities to urban markets.
“Delta State is a major food-producing state, and infrastructure like this flyover and the connecting roads are critical. Areas such as Ughelli, Abraka and other hinterland communities are key food-producing zones. This bridge will significantly ease traffic and improve the transportation of agricultural produce to the city,” he said.
The agriculture commissioner also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost food production through public-private partnerships, disclosing that the state currently has over 2,000 hectares of vegetable farms in Orerokpe, about 3,800 hectares of cassava farms with attached processing facilities in another axis, and more than 132 hectares of rice under dry-season farming in Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area, with plans for expansion.
On his part, Mr. Abigor confirmed that the flyover was nearing full completion, with only minor finishing works outstanding.
“As you can see, the road is almost 100 per cent complete. What remains are minor works such as street lighting, which is a separate project. The flyover is already open for public use, and the quality of work here is of the highest standard,” he said.
The DSC Roundabout Flyover is expected to significantly decongest traffic in Effurun and its environs, improve road safety, and enhance economic activities by facilitating smoother movement of people, goods and services across the metropolitan area.
