UMUTU/Nigeria: In a significant move to alleviate the challenges faced by the residents of Ukwuani and Ethiope East Local Government Areas in Delta State, the Delta State Government, on Monday, initiated remedial works on the old Umutu/Eku Road. The project aims to provide a viable alternative to the deteriorating federal road that has been causing immense hardships for the local populace.
Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), revealed this crucial development during a press briefing held in Abraka. He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had intervened in response to the difficulties faced by people attempting to navigate the deteriorated federal road.
The state government’s ambitious plan entails the construction of an alternative route spanning 36.5 kilometers. Commissioner Aniagwu also made an earnest appeal to the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire Agbor-Eku-Amukpe road.
Accompanied by key officials including Sir Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Engr Solomon Aghagba, Director of Rural Roads, and other high-ranking ministry officials, Commissioner Aniagwu announced that Obakpor Engineering Limited had been entrusted with the project and was expected to complete it within four months. He further called upon the impacted communities for their support and cooperation.
Commissioner Aniagwu stated, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, having seen the challenges our people are going through on account of the totally failed federal road that comes from Agbor up to Amukpe roundabout, has decided that we carry out some reasonable remedial work on the Umutu-Eku road.”
He elaborated on the scope of the project, which includes constructing a new road that extends to the Ethiope River, addressing flooding issues, and overlaying asphalt or reconstructing certain segments of the road to ensure its durability.
The Commissioner emphasized Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to delivering a lasting solution, saying, “Governor Oborevwori is not interested in doing a job that we will come back to do again tomorrow.”
Additionally, Commissioner Aniagwu urged the Federal Government to take swift action to repair and reconstruct the severely deteriorated Agbor-Eku Road.
During a visit to the palace of the Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta II, Commissioner Aniagwu expressed gratitude to the king and elders for their cooperation in facilitating the commencement of the remedial works. He acknowledged their efforts in ensuring the removal of obstructions along the project route.
In response, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta II, commended Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for their intervention and pledged the community’s full support for the successful completion of the road project.
The monarch also raised concerns about the presence of heavy-duty vehicles on the road and called for the construction of barriers to restrict their access.
Engr Anthony Igbeka, Director of Works at Delta State University, Abraka, lauded Governor Oborevwori for the road project. He highlighted how the initiative would greatly benefit students, staff, residents, and passers-by in the university community, alleviating their long-standing suffering caused by the deteriorated road infrastructure.
