Effurun, Delta State – The Delta State Government on Monday carried out a comprehensive pre-handover inspection of the DSC Roundabout Flyover project in Effurun, signaling that one of the state’s major urban infrastructure initiatives is on the verge of full completion and official handover.
The inspection was led by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, who was accompanied by a high-level, multidisciplinary delegation. The team included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Val Arenyeka; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Mr. Tuoyo Abigor; the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba; the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Engr. Bob Nakpodia; senior engineers from the Delta State Ministry of Works; and key representatives of the project contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Speaking to journalists at the site, Commissioner Izeze explained that the visit was specifically a pre-handover assessment designed to evaluate the quality, progress, and compliance of the work executed so far. The inspection allows the government to identify and address any outstanding issues before the final handover.
“This visit is to enable us carry out a pre-handover inspection of the DSC Roundabout Flyover and see the level of work that has been done so far. The flyover aspect of the project is about 98 per cent completed,” Izeze stated. “We were invited by the contractor to make our observations now, so that any issues identified can be addressed ahead of the final inspection and formal handover.”
The inspection team traversed the entire structure, starting from the Agbarho end and proceeding through to the Effurun axis, meticulously examining the bridge, approach roads, drainage systems, and associated civil works. Commissioner Izeze expressed overall satisfaction with the construction quality and adherence to engineering specifications.
“From what we have seen, we are satisfied with the level of work done so far. We expect that by the time we return, based on the contractor’s invitation, the project would have attained 100 per cent completion,” he added.
Although the flyover falls outside his ministry’s direct portfolio, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Barr. Val Arenyeka underscored the project’s broader economic significance, particularly for the state’s agricultural sector. He highlighted how improved road infrastructure will facilitate the seamless movement of farm produce from rural farming communities to urban markets, reducing post-harvest losses and supporting food security.
“Delta State is a major producer of food, and infrastructure like this flyover and the connecting roads are critical,” Arenyeka said. “Areas such as Ughelli, Abraka, and other hinterland communities are key food-producing zones. This bridge will significantly ease traffic and enhance the transportation of agricultural produce to the city, ultimately supporting food availability and affordability.”
The commissioner also provided an update on the state’s ongoing agricultural initiatives under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. He disclosed that Delta currently has over 2,000 hectares of vegetable farms in Orerokpe, approximately 3,800 hectares dedicated to cassava cultivation with attached processing facilities in another axis, and more than 132 hectares of rice under dry-season farming in Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area—the first such large-scale dry-season rice project in the state. Plans are underway to expand these interventions further through public-private partnerships.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring, Mr. Tuoyo Abigor, confirmed that the flyover is effectively complete, with only minor finishing touches remaining.
“As you can see, the road is almost 100 per cent complete. What remains are minor additional works, such as street lighting, which is a separate project,” Abigor noted. “The flyover is already open for public use, and the quality of work here is of the highest standard. The project is progressing strictly in line with the plan.”
The DSC Roundabout Flyover forms part of the state government’s broader agenda to modernize urban transportation infrastructure in the Effurun-Warri metropolis. Once fully commissioned, the project is expected to significantly decongest traffic at the busy DSC Roundabout, improve road safety, reduce travel time, and boost economic activities by enabling smoother movement of people, goods, and services across the metropolitan area.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a globally respected construction firm with a long track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure in Nigeria, has been responsible for the execution of the flyover. The company’s involvement has been credited with ensuring international-standard engineering and timely progress despite logistical and environmental challenges.
The pre-handover inspection underscores Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to rigorous project oversight, quality assurance, and timely delivery of critical infrastructure that supports economic growth, improves quality of life, and enhances connectivity in Delta State.
With the flyover now at 98 per cent completion and public use already underway, attention has shifted to final snagging, landscaping, and ancillary works ahead of the official commissioning ceremony, which is expected in the coming weeks.
The DSC Roundabout Flyover stands as another visible testament to the state government’s MORE Agenda—focused on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—through sustained investment in transformative infrastructure projects.
