Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State said his administration has paid a whopping sum of Ten Billion (N10b) Naira as compensation to ensure that contractors move to site for the on-going second Niger Bridge access project.
According to him, the effort will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha and surrounding communities.
The Governor disclosed this at the flag-off of the Warri-Sapele Benin Road project, lamenting that the other road has been a nightmare to commuters and farmers.
He emphasized that the reconstruction is therefore strategic to the people whose activities are centered at enhancing mobility, improving production and boosting economic growth.
“Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security, criminal elements often exploit bad roads to commit crimes, adding “when completed, the high way will make movement safer and give security agencies better access to patrol and respond swiftly to incidents”.
He however made it clear that security remains a top priority of the administration adding that working closely with the police, Army, Navy, Airforce and DSS as well as other agencies will significantly reduce criminal activities in the state.
He therefore clarify that the fly-over and other infrastructure are not meant for Uvwie alone, but will also serve as gateways to other parts of the state.
In his speech, the representative of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) remarked that the corporation, remains fully committed to delivering a road of exceptional quality, guided by the highest standards of professionalism and the determination to carry out the all-important project.
Commissioner for Works (highways) Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed that the ten kilometres project with five kilometres on both sides has several unique technical features, explaining that it will have a double carriage width of 8.8 metres, designed for durability and improved traffic flow.