UGHELLI/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all road, bridge, and drainage projects awarded by the state government adhere to strict standards and are completed within stipulated timeframes.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Patani local government areas on Monday, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboro Kenneth Preyor, emphasised the importance of maintaining high-quality work. He was accompanied by fellow committee members on the visit, which formed part of their constitutional oversight duties.
Among the projects inspected were the internal road network around Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli North, the Orere River Bridge in Ughelli South, the Uruevwere-Uwheru Road in Ughelli North, and the Bulu-Angiama Road project in Patani.
One of the Inspected Projects
Hon. Preyor, flanked by committee members, including Honourables Emmanuel Sinebe (Patani), Ferguson Onwo (Isoko South 2), James Augoye (Okpe), Edafe Emakpor (Uvwie), Bridget Anyafulu (Oshimili South), and Ebitonmo Alapala (Burutu 1), underscored that the Delta State Legislature, in partnership with the Executive, would ensure that contractors comply with the state’s new directive for infrastructure development.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has declared a zero-tolerance policy for substandard work, and we, as legislators, stand firmly behind this stance,” Preyor said. “The era of cutting corners in road construction is over, and together with the Executive, we are committed to eliminating shoddy projects in Delta State.”
He further explained that the oversight visits have allowed the committee to assess the progress of various infrastructure projects and ensure they align with the Governor’s MORE agenda, which prioritises good governance and the delivery of key democratic dividends to the people.
At the Bulu-Angiama Road project site in Patani, the lawmakers expressed their disappointment over the contractor’s abandonment of the 3.4-kilometre road, which was awarded in 2018. Preyor noted the lack of progress and directed the Ministry of Works to submit all relevant documents related to the project for thorough evaluation.
Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, who represents Patani Constituency, voiced his concerns about the situation but urged constituents to remain confident in Governor Oborevwori’s administration. He assured them that the legislature would intensify efforts to ensure the project is eventually completed.
Chief Christopher Owei, Acting Chairman of the Bulu-Angiama community, appealed to the state government and the lawmakers to hold the contractor accountable, citing the negative impact the delayed project has had on the community.
Meanwhile, the committee commended the indigenous contractor handling the Orere River Bridge project in Ughelli South, expressing optimism that the bridge would be completed by May 2025, as promised. Hon. Festus Utuama, representing Ughelli South Constituency, expressed his gratitude to the state government for the massive infrastructure development in his constituency.
The Committee on Works and Special Projects is set to continue its oversight visits to other ongoing projects across the state to ensure compliance with government directives and the fulfilment of campaign promises.
