ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed mixed feelings over the pace of work at the multi-billion-naira Asaba Waterfront Project, commending progress on the access road while voicing concern over the delay in dredging, which he described as the core of the development.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site on Friday, the governor noted with disappointment that dredging activities had yet to commence, despite being central to the vision of transforming the area into a modern commercial and residential hub. “If they want to use local dredgers, even in 20 years they cannot achieve it. They need to bring in an English cutter dredger. That’s my advice,” he warned.
Oborevwori faulted the absence of contractors during the inspection, stressing that key decisions on timelines and equipment deployment remained unresolved. “Asaba is now a busy city and people are ready to invest. Once this place is completed, it will look like Eko Atlantic. We are all eager to see the end of it, a place where people can own beautiful properties and do business,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guiding the project, the governor maintained that the state government had fully kept its side of the bargain. “We are on track because we have kept our promise. It’s now up to the investors, North China Construction Limited and Fokland Limited, to keep theirs. You know, I’m a promise keeper,” he declared.
The Asaba Waterfront Project, one of Delta’s flagship urban renewal initiatives, is designed to reshape the state capital into a thriving hub comparable to modern developments in other Nigerian cities. It features the construction of a six-lane dual carriageway, currently handled by North China Construction Limited and Fokland Limited.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the road component is now about 85 percent complete, crediting the intervention of his administration for the progress recorded. “When I came in, this project had already been awarded to North China Construction Limited, but there was no mobilization. That delay affected progress. We had to mobilize them, and I personally came for inspection on January 16 this year,” he said.
He stressed that the road infrastructure was critical to unlocking the economic potential of the waterfront, as it would open up access for investors. “We have done our part. We awarded the contract, fulfilled our obligations under the MOU, and paid full compensation. We are not owing anyone, contractors or the community,” the governor said.
With roadworks nearing completion, attention now shifts to the crucial dredging phase, as the state government and investors brace for the next decisive step in bringing the Asaba Waterfront vision to reality.
