OKPANAM/Nigeria: The Commissioner for Works, Urban, and Highways roads in Delta State, Comrade Reuben Izeze, has reiterated his call for contractors responsible for various road and drainage projects in the state, particularly in urban areas, to return to their respective project sites and ensure the timely completion of their assignments.
Comrade Izeze made this appeal during an inspection tour on Friday, where he visited a recently executed 720 meters long road in Okpanam, Oshimili North local government area, funded by the state government.
Emphasizing the importance of the dry season, Commissioner Izeze stressed that contractors should seize the opportunity of favorable weather conditions to recommence work and expedite the progress of ongoing projects.
Izeze revealed that he, along with Mr. Charles Aniagwu, responsible for Rural and Riverine roads, recently held a meeting with the contractors. During the meeting, they passionately implored the contractors to resume work on their projects.
Acknowledging that many of the projects were initiated by the previous administration in the state, the Works Commissioner assured that projects initiated prior to Sheriff Oborevrwori’s administration would not be abandoned. However, he issued a stern warning against substandard project execution, emphasizing that all projects must adhere to stipulated standards as per the Governor’s directives.
Furthermore, Izeze, a two-term member of the Delta State Assembly, emphasized that none of the projects under his supervision would receive certification for payment without a thorough inspection to verify the quality of the work.
During his inspection of the 720 meters long Justice Ada Onyetenu street, off Seventy Four Road in Okpanam, the Works Commissioner explained that he had chosen to evaluate the contractor’s performance on the project before approving further payments.
Accompanied by the Director in-charge of Urban roads in the Ministry of Works, Engr Solomon Akpotowho, Izeze expressed his satisfaction with the work already completed, as the road had successfully withstood the rainy season.
The Works Commissioner stated that the road project’s purpose was to enhance the development of the area and expressed optimism that it would withstand the pressure of vehicular movement in the locality. He further emphasized that all projects initiated by the Ministry have a defined retention period, and if any issues arise during this period, the contractor will be required to return to the site and rectify them.
The 720 meters long Justice Ada Onyetenu road project in Okpanam was awarded in March 2022 by the previous administration led by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
