By Nelson Egware
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a man of “audacious courage” for reviving and re-awarding the long-abandoned Egbo-Ideh/Ayakoromo Bridge project, connecting Ughelli South to Burutu Local Government Area.
Izeze, who spoke on Friday during an inspection of ongoing works on the bridge, said the project had suffered years of neglect due to lack of due diligence and poor construction integrity, but that Governor Oborevwori had demonstrated rare political will to rescue and re-construct it.
According to him, several integrity tests conducted by professional teams revealed that many of the old structural components were compromised, making it impossible to continue with the previous contract.
He noted that instead of abandoning the project or diverting funds elsewhere, the governor took the bold step of reviewing and re-awarding the contract to a competent firm, a decision he described as unusual and courageous.
“What you see here today is practically an entirely new bridge under construction. The existing structures had to be demolished because they failed integrity tests.
"Some other administrations would have simply bulldozed this project and moved resources elsewhere, but Governor Oborevwori insisted it must be done right. That is the mark of his audacious courage,” Izeze said.
He explained that the demolition and reconstruction works are already progressing, with new pillars and slabs being installed to guarantee durability and safety.
“The governor’s decision to insist on quality, despite the high budgetary implications, underscores his unwavering commitment to keeping his promises to Deltans,” the commissioner added.
Izeze also issued a stern warning against unauthorized individuals attempting to cart away rods and other materials from the demolished sections of the bridge.
He directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found tampering with government assets.
“That asset belongs to the state. Nobody has been authorized to evacuate anything from this project site. Such directive can only come from His Excellency through the Ministry of Works. Anyone caught must be arrested and brought to my attention for immediate prosecution,” he declared.
Describing Oborevwori’s administration as one that “leaves no stone unturned,” Izeze said the governor’s unusual approach to governance has ensured that long-forgotten projects are being revived, completed, and delivered with quality.
“This bridge is not just a project; it is a statement of faith in the people and a testament to a governor who keeps his word. Every community that will benefit from this bridge will forever remember Sheriff Oborevwori as the man who dared to do the impossible,” Izeze stated.
