The Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni (JP), has carried out an inspection tour of the ongoing road construction projects at Effurun Roundabout near ShopRite and the PTI Junction axis in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The inspection, which drew the attention of residents, motorists, traders, and road users within the busy commercial corridor, formed part of the council chairman’s efforts to monitor infrastructure development projects and ensure smooth execution of ongoing construction works in the area.
Chief Ofoni was accompanied during the inspection by key stakeholders, members of the Delta State Task Force, and officials involved in traffic and environmental management within the council area.
The road projects, currently being handled by construction giant Julius Berger, are among the major infrastructural interventions aimed at improving traffic flow, easing transportation challenges, and enhancing commercial activities around the Effurun axis.
Speaking during the inspection, Chief Ofoni emphasized the importance of maintaining order and ensuring compliance with traffic and environmental regulations around the construction zones.
He noted that the Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction remain some of the busiest traffic points in Delta State, linking Warri, Uvwie, and other neighbouring communities, and therefore require coordinated efforts to prevent gridlock and ensure public safety during the construction period.
The council chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of work already completed by Julius Berger, while also stressing the need for continued cooperation among residents, traders, transport operators, and road users to guarantee timely completion of the projects.
According to him, the ongoing construction work is expected to significantly improve road infrastructure, reduce travel time, and provide long-term relief to commuters and businesses operating within the axis.
Chief Ofoni further stated that infrastructural development remains critical to economic growth and urban expansion, adding that improved roads would not only ease movement but also boost commercial activities and improve the overall living conditions of residents.
As part of measures to support the contractors and reduce traffic congestion, the Uvwie council chairman directed immediate decongestion of sections of the road affected by indiscriminate parking, roadside trading, and unauthorized structures obstructing free movement.
He instructed members of the Delta State Task Force accompanying him on the inspection to ensure strict compliance with traffic control measures and environmental sanitation guidelines within the affected areas.
According to Chief Ofoni, the decongestion exercise became necessary to create enough working space for Julius Berger workers and equipment handling the road construction project.
He explained that obstruction of roads and indiscriminate activities around the construction zones could slow down the pace of work and further worsen traffic conditions in the area.
The chairman also appealed to residents and business owners operating around the Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction to cooperate with government officials and the construction company during the duration of the project.
He assured them that temporary inconveniences experienced as a result of the construction work would eventually give way to improved road infrastructure and better traffic management upon completion of the projects.
Motorists and commuters who witnessed the inspection commended the proactive intervention of the council chairman, describing the road projects as long overdue considering the persistent traffic congestion often experienced around Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction.
Some commercial drivers and traders expressed optimism that the reconstruction work, once completed, would help reduce delays, improve accessibility, and support economic activities in the area.
Residents also praised the involvement of the local government authorities and the Delta State Task Force in ensuring compliance and monitoring the progress of the projects.
Observers noted that the inspection reflects the increasing collaboration between local government authorities, the Delta State Task Force, and contractors in addressing infrastructural challenges within rapidly developing urban centres.
Stakeholders who accompanied Chief Ofoni during the inspection also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the success of the road construction projects.
They appealed to transport unions, traders, and residents to comply with directives aimed at maintaining order and preventing unnecessary obstruction along the affected corridors.
Officials of the Delta State Task Force assured the council chairman that necessary measures would be taken to enforce compliance and sustain smooth traffic flow throughout the construction period.
The ongoing road reconstruction at Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction is expected to improve transportation connectivity around major commercial and institutional areas, including the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), shopping centres, residential neighbourhoods, and adjoining communities.
Urban development analysts have repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of the Effurun axis to economic and transportation activities in Delta State, noting that improved road infrastructure would contribute significantly to reducing travel stress and enhancing productivity.
Chief Ofoni reiterated the commitment of the Uvwie Local Government Council to supporting projects and policies that would improve the welfare of residents and stimulate development across the council area.
He also commended the efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in promoting infrastructural development across Delta State through ongoing road construction and urban renewal initiatives.
According to the council chairman, collaboration among government agencies, contractors, the Delta State Task Force, and the public remains essential in achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
As work continues on the road projects, residents and road users are hopeful that the intervention will permanently address traffic bottlenecks around Effurun Roundabout and PTI Junction, which have for years remained among the busiest and most congested routes in the state.
The inspection tour concluded with further consultations between the council chairman, stakeholders, officials of the Delta State Task Force, and representatives of the construction company on measures to sustain smooth operations and accelerate the pace of work on the projects.
