ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is set to inaugurate the completed Phase One of the Oko-Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu Road project on Friday, including the access road linking the corridor to the Second Niger Bridge Service Road in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
The road project, which spans approximately 4.7 kilometres, also includes adjoining roads connecting several Oko communities and was executed by the Delta State Ministry of Works, Highways and Urban Roads.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Wednesday while inspecting the project site ahead of the governor’s visit and the scheduled inauguration ceremony.
Aniagwu explained that the road was designed to improve connectivity among Oko communities, including Oko-Amakom and Oko-Anala, while also providing easier access to the Second Niger Bridge corridor.
According to him, the first phase of the project covers about 4.7 kilometres, adding that work has already commenced on the second phase of the road construction.
He noted that the planned commissioning demonstrates Governor Oborevwori’s continued commitment to governance and infrastructure development despite the ongoing political activities in the state.
“In spite of electioneering campaigns and the party congresses, nothing is stopping governance. Immediately after our congress yesterday, the governor was even ready to commission the project today, but we pleaded for time to properly prepare the ground for the event,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner stressed that the governor remains focused on delivering development projects across the state until the end of his administration.
Aniagwu further explained that the road was deliberately constructed at an elevated level due to the waterlogged nature of the environment and the history of flooding in the area.
“This environment is usually waterlogged during the rainy season. That is why the engineers designed the road to be raised far above the 2012 flood level. Some surrounding buildings are lower, but the road is elevated by several metres to prevent it from being submerged during flooding,” he said.
He added that the construction process involved extensive sand filling with sharp sand after the removal of unsuitable soil to ensure the long-term stability of the road alignment.
According to Aniagwu, the project is being handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited, a construction company known for delivering major infrastructure projects across the country.
“The governor believes that five-star projects should be handled by five-star contractors, and that is why Setraco, a very competent company that has delivered many projects for us, is handling this project,” he stated.
Speaking further, Aniagwu revealed that Amaechi Agusi and adjoining streets in Asaba are also scheduled for commissioning on Friday.
He said the roads were constructed by the Capital Territory Development Agency and designed with dual drainage systems on both sides to effectively channel floodwater into the main drainage along the Asaba–Benin Expressway.
Aniagwu disclosed that the contractor had already been directed to commence immediate desilting and cleaning of the drainage channels along the corridor ahead of the commissioning ceremony.
He noted that the road project would significantly boost economic activities in the area by improving access between communities and major centres of commerce and production.
According to him, several parcels of land previously used for farming have now become viable residential plots as a result of the improved road access.
“Providing roads like this enhances the commercial value of land and improves security because more people can access the community,” he said.
Aniagwu also noted that the road corridor could serve as an alternative route linking parts of Delta State, stretching toward Ndokwa East and Patani areas, thereby improving connectivity and reducing travel time for commuters.
He added that beyond easing mobility, the road would also enable farmers in the surrounding communities to transport their agricultural produce more easily to markets.
The inauguration of the road forms part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader efforts to expand infrastructure development and improve connectivity across communities in Delta State.
