ISELE-AZAGBA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s insistence on rigorous project supervision is aimed at guaranteeing quality delivery and full value for public funds.
Speaking during an extensive inspection of ongoing and completed rural road projects in Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas on Wednesday, Aniagwu issued firm directives to contractors to correct observed lapses and enhance their performance. He said the administration’s strict oversight policy is designed to balance contractors’ legitimate pursuit of profit with the government’s responsibility to the people.
“The reason His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, insists on constant supervision is to strike a balance between the contractor’s desire to make profit and our obligation to ensure value for money. It must always be a win-win situation — contractors make their profits and our people get quality projects,” he stated.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and senior ministry officials, started the inspection at the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road where he examined asphalt laying and installed flood-control structures. While commending the contractor, he directed the backfilling of drains and extension of the discharge channel to ensure effective water flow and avert erosion. He explained that constant site checks enable the ministry to address unforeseen engineering challenges such as additional culverts, compensation issues and erosion control needs — all of which fall under contingency provisions in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
The inspection team also assessed the 1.95km Atuma–Iga internal roads, the 1.2km Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji Way in Idumuje-Unor, and the completed 2.75km Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo. Aniagwu said his physical assessment of the Onicha-Ugbo road was crucial before final payment. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, stressing that only projects delivered to standard will be certified for payment.
According to him, Oborevwori’s policy of dedicating project funds to each local government has significantly accelerated rural development. “You can see that these roads pass through communities where no ‘big men’ live. That is because this government is for everybody, not just politicians or the elite. The projects you see are part of our agenda of opportunities for all, ensuring no community is left behind,” he said.
Responding to enquiries on internal roads, Aniagwu clarified that intra-community and inter-quarter links are equally important. On the proposed 2026 budget, he disclosed that allocations for local government projects would increase from N2.1 billion to about N5 billion, following successful outcomes since the policy took effect. He added that contractors receive up to 40 percent mobilisation and are promptly paid upon completion and certification. “If this contractor finishes the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road in the next four weeks, Oborevwori will pay within this budget year,” he assured.
Addressing the emerging gully along the Issele-Azagba–Otulu corridor, the Commissioner said technical discussions with engineers had been held and immediate remedial action directed. Additional measures, he noted, would be taken to slow down water velocity, the major cause of erosion.
“We will ensure the gully does not escalate beyond what we can manage. Beyond tackling the existing challenge, we will also slow down the speed of water so it no longer cuts through the earth,” he said, reaffirming that all necessary adjustments fall within approved contingencies and will be executed for long-term efficiency.
“We are satisfied with what we are seeing, and we will continue to insist on quality. At the end of the day, the goal is to improve the standard of living of our people, no matter where they live,” Aniagwu concluded.
