…Plans Include Flyover Constructions in Agbor, Ughelli
By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Executive Council has sanctioned a budget of N230 billion for various projects across multiple sectors, reflecting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure enhancement and the welfare of the residents of Delta State.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a press conference following the Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Asaba, which was chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Accompanied by Commissioners Sonny Ekedayen (Economic Planning), Reuben Izeze (Works – Highways and Urban Roads), Dr. Joseph Onojaeme (Health), Hon. Ebikeme Clark (Riverine Infrastructure), and Chief Press Secretary Sir Festus Ahon, Aniagwu detailed that the council approved a range of projects across essential areas such as health care, transportation, energy, and riverine development.
He noted that the Council also took steps to revoke underperforming contracts, ensuring that communities receive the best value for government investments.
Among the significant approvals was the design and construction of a flyover at Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, budgeted at ₦59.7 billion, and a similar flyover at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, on the Ughelli/Patani (East-West) Highway, costing ₦39.3 billion.
Other approved initiatives include the construction of the Kolokolo to Tisun road in Warri North, payment of retirement benefits to staff from Delta State University in Abraka, and the rehabilitation of the Bomadi to Gbaregolor road.
Additionally, the council approved the completion of Bulu-Angiama Road off the Ughelli/Patani Expressway and Ituru Road in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area.
A budget of ₦1.05 billion was allocated for projects in Warri South-West Local Government Area via the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development. Construction of access roads to the Model Technical College in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area, was also endorsed.
Flood control measures were approved for a stretch from Orikeze Avenue Junction through Obi, Enuma, and Uromi Roads to Orogodo River in Ika South, totaling ₦15.3 billion, and for the completion of Olikili Layout Roads in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Furthermore, the reconstruction of the dual carriageway on Warri-Sapele Road, from the Spare Parts Market U-turn to Ohorhe Junction, was also given the green light.
The council approved the construction of roads connecting Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiokpu and Oko-Anala in Oshimili South, and enhancements to Okowa Crescent off the Ughelli/Patani Expressway. Flood mitigation projects were also approved for Summit Road, Newell Street, and neighboring areas in Oshimili South LGA.
The adoption of a new Delta State Electricity Policy was also ratified, along with Governor Oborevwori’s prior approval for the transfer of General Hospital, Otor-Udu, to the Federal Government, laying the groundwork for a Federal Medical Centre in Owvian, Udu Local Government Area.
To bolster healthcare delivery, approvals were granted for acquiring and installing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines at key hospitals, including Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara.
The Council allocated ₦10 billion for compensating landowners affected by the right-of-way acquisition for the Second Niger Bridge Access Road and Bypass that will connect Oko, Asaba, Ibusa, and Okpanam.
Other approvals include the completion of Unoghovo Community Road that links the Benin Expressway to Ovade in Ethiope West Local Government Area and the construction of internal roads at the College of Education, Mosogar (Phase II).
In Warri South-West, the council approved the development of internal roads in Jagbala and Kantu communities, as well as the reconstruction and asphalt overlay of the Emu-Obodeti to Abbi to Abraka road commencing from Emu-Obodeti Junction in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, further elaborated on the Agbor flyover, describing it as a significant and strategic measure. He indicated that this junction has had a troubling history of accidents, particularly with night travelers heading to Abuja.
The new construction plan includes two roundabouts and a 30-meter span beam, which is considerably longer than beams used in comparable projects, like those in Warri.
Due to the size of the beams, specialized equipment not currently available in Nigeria will be imported from Germany by the contractor, Julius Berger, which contributes to the project’s elevated cost.
Izeze emphasized that the flyover will not only minimize accidents but also enhance productivity in Agbor and its agrarian surroundings, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development in the state.
