*Gov Redefining Devt In Delta, Says Aniagwu
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, June 3, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development by inaugurating three road projects with a combined length of about 18 kilometres in Ndokwa West Local Council.
The projects include the 4.5-kilometre Obi-Ibabu/Ibabu Road in Onicha-Ukwuani; Phase One of the 5-kilometre Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road; and 8.4-kilometre Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road.
Speaking during the ceremony at Utagba-Uno, Oborevwori commended the host communities, traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents for their warm reception, despite the rainfall, describing the roads as critical infrastructure that would boost trade, commerce and rural development across Ndokwa Nation.
He said the newly completed projects further demonstrate his administration’s determination to ensure that all local government areas benefit from the state’s infrastructure development, adding that the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road was conceived as a phased project, with the first phase stretching about five kilometres from Umutu through adjoining communities.
The governor commended the contractors for the speedy completion of the roads, saying the projects would improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, enhance access to markets, attract investments and stimulate socio-economic activities in the area.
Oborevwori, however, expressed displeasure over delays in the completion of the Inam-Abbi Access Road and Utagba-Uno-Eweshi Road projects, initially scheduled for commissioning alongside the newly completed roads, warning that his administration would not tolerate unnecessary delays in project execution and directed the Ministry of Works to ensure the projects are completed before the end of the year.
He said work was progressing on several road projects across Ndokwa Nation, including the 7-kilometre Emu-Ebendo-Iyasele-Ashaka Road; 6-kilometre access road to the Kwale Industrial Park; Emu-Beneku Road; Ogbedigbo-Afor Road; and Timber Road to Waterside in Obiaruku.
On the lingering electricity challenges in Ndokwa communities, Oborevwori announced that government had approved the rehabilitation and restoration of power infrastructure in the area, but lamented that some facilities were vandalised after completion.
He assured residents that efforts were underway to restore electricity supply to the affected communities, urging community leaders and youths to protect public infrastructure from vandalism, adding: “I have directed that work should continue, and I assure you that the persistent blackout affecting Ndokwa communities will be addressed as quickly as possible.”
He directed the commissioner for Works to commence the necessary processes for the execution of the second phase of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road project, saying the visible infrastructure projects across the state were products of prudent resource management and deliberate efforts to improve the welfare of Deltans.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, described the projects as the fulfilment of long-standing aspirations of the people of Ndokwa Nation.
He commended Oborevwori for his commitment to infrastructural development, assuring him that the people would reciprocate his efforts with continued support.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the projects have transformed communities that were previously difficult to access, and would significantly improve transportation and economic activities.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Council, Council, Obi Nzete, commended the governor for the numerous development projects being executed in the area, describing his administration as one that has positively impacted the lives of the people through investments in roads, education, healthcare and security.
President General of Utagba-Uno Community, Kenneth Oseji, said the completion of the road connecting seven communities would greatly enhance economic growth and development in the area.
Also speaking, President General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Amaechi Asugwuni, congratulated Oborevwori on the successful execution of various projects across Ndokwa Nation, urging political leaders to prioritise legacy projects that would positively impact their people.
In a related develoment, Aniagwu lauded Oborevwori for transforming rural communities across the state through strategic road and bridge infrastructure projects, describing him as a leader who is redefining development and connecting communities through purposeful governance.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 5.1-kilometre Obi-Ibabu Road project, the commissioner, while highlighting the far-reaching impact of the administration’s infrastructure drive on the socio-economic lives of rural dwellers, recalled his days as a student at Ndemili Grammar School over four decades ago, when travelling to Utagba-Uno was once a difficult undertaking that required extensive planning due to the poor state of roads in the area.
he believed the newly completed road has significantly reduced travel time, strengthened connectivity between agrarian communities and improved access to markets, healthcare and other social services.
Aniagwu said the projects were changing the physical and economic landscape of the benefiting communities and transforming them from isolated agrarian settlements into emerging urban centres.
