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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 is fully committed to ensuring the timely completion of the Isoko Ring Road project.
Izeze gave the assurance 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 drainage channels.
He explained that the Governor’s unwavering support, coupled with the State Executive Council’s approval of an upward review, had placed the contractors in a strong position to deliver the project on schedule.
“Visible progress has been recorded on the Isoko Ring Road project despite the setbacks caused by heavy rainfall,” Izeze said. He recalled that during the Governor’s inspection on March 5, the site was still largely heaps of sand, but today levelling and embankments have been completed along Section 1, with about one kilometre already spread.
The Commissioner admitted that progress might appear slow but insisted the torrential rains were largely responsible. “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 strategic importance of the road to Ellu-Ovrode, Ofagbe, Orie-Irri, Okpe-Isoko, Uro-Irri and Ada-Irri communities, 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 project contractor, Mr. Ifeanyi Nkeki, confirmed that of the 21-kilometre stretch, about 16 kilometres had already been completed across Sections A, B, and C, leaving only five kilometres. He noted that earlier delays were due to inflation and rising material costs, but praised the Governor for approving a review that enabled full resumption of work.
Nkeki disclosed that the technical aspects had been addressed, including the swampy 1.2-kilometre section, which had been sand-filled and pumped, and the completion of a new bridge requiring realignment of 3.5 kilometres of road. “With the Governor’s support, we are optimistic that by December the project will be ready for inauguration,” he assured.
He further revealed that 14 out of 16 culverts were already completed, leaving only minor ones outstanding, while all major technical challenges were now under control.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Izeze also inspected other critical projects in the state, 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 contractors handling these projects to complete the wearing course on the remaining sections to pave the way for inauguration.
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