By Nelson Egware
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has assured residents of Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains fully committed to the timely completion of the ongoing Isoko Ring Road project.
Izeze gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection of the 24-kilometre reconstruction of the Ellu/Ovrode/Ofagbe/Orie-Irri/Okpe-Isoko/Uro-Irri/Ada-Irri Road, which also includes 10.8 kilometres of drains.
He noted that Governor Oborevwori had provided maximum support for the project, adding that the State Executive Council’s approval of an upward review had placed the contractors in a strong position to deliver on schedule.
“Visible progress has been recorded on the Isoko Ring Road project despite the setbacks caused by heavy rainfall,” Izeze said.
Recalling the Governor’s inspection visit of March 5, he explained that the site, which had been largely heaps of sand, had now taken shape with levelling and embankments completed along Section 1, and about one kilometre of spreading achieved.
The Commissioner acknowledged that the pace of work might appear slow, but attributed this to torrential rains.
“Taking into consideration the sheer volume of rainfall in recent months, the progress made so far can still be considered fairly reasonable. But we hope the contractor will increase the pace, as the people of Isoko are eager to see this road delivered,” he added.
Highlighting the project’s importance to communities along Ellu-Ovrode, Ofagbe, Orie-Irri, Okpe-Isoko, Uro-Irri and Ada-Irri, Izeze reaffirmed that the administration’s MORE Agenda was fostering cooperation among all stakeholders.
“Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to advancing Delta is evident in the cooperation of the youths, the communities, and even the elements with government. What remains is for the contractor to play his part and ensure timely delivery,” he stressed.
On his part, the contractor, Mr. Ifeanyi Nkeki, disclosed that of the 21-kilometre stretch, about 16 kilometres had already been completed across Sections A, B, and C, leaving only five kilometres.
He attributed earlier delays to inflation and rising material costs but commended Governor Oborevwori for approving a review that allowed work to resume fully.
“The more technical aspects, such as the bridge and the swamp area, have been addressed. In the swampy 1.2-kilometre section, we carried out sand filling and water pumping, which is now completed.
"The remaining 3.5 kilometres involve realigning the existing road due to the new bridge, which has already been completed. With the Governor’s support, we are optimistic that by December the project will be ready for inauguration,” Nkeki said.
He further disclosed that 14 out of 16 culverts had been completed, leaving only the smaller ones outstanding, while all major technical aspects were now under control.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Izeze also inspected other critical projects, including the 1-kilometre Flood and Erosion Control project at Beneku/Okpai Road and the construction of the Beneku-Kwale Bridge and approach roads in Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East LGAs.
He urged the contractors to complete the wearing course on the remaining sections to pave the way for inauguration.
