Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to immediately intervene in the washed out section of the East-West Road at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Asaba.
Aniagwu said the Governor took the decision in view of the hardship being experienced by motorists, residents, businesses and other road users following the collapse of the section of the federal highway.
According to him, although the East-West Road is a Federal Government-owned infrastructure, Governor Oborevwori was concerned that the sudden collapse of the Agbarho section due to strong erosive force triggered by heavy rains had become a major inconvenience to Deltans and other Nigerians who use the busy corridor.
He said the Governor had consequently directed the intervention of Julius Berger, a leading construction company handling major infrastructure projects in the state, to undertake remedial works on the failed portion of the road.
Aniagwu explained that the intervention was in line with the administration's commitment to ensuring that critical infrastructure within the state remained functional, irrespective of whether such infrastructure was under the jurisdiction of the state or Federal Government.
He said the Governor's action underscored the administration's philosophy that governance should be driven by the immediate needs of the people rather than bureaucratic boundaries.
The Commissioner noted that the East-West Road serves as a major economic artery connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services across the Niger Delta and beyond.
He said any serious disruption along the corridor could have far-reaching consequences for commuters, transport operators, traders and businesses whose activities depend on the road.
Aniagwu assured road users that the intervention would help alleviate the current difficulties and restore smoother traffic flow along the affected section.
He added that the Oborevwori administration would continue to collaborate with relevant Federal Government agencies and private-sector partners to address infrastructure challenges capable of undermining economic activities and the wellbeing of residents.
The Commissioner said the Governor's intervention was also consistent with his administration's broader infrastructure drive under the MORE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on meaningful development and improving the quality of life of Deltans.
He urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution around the affected area while remedial works were being undertaken.
