Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, 27th November 2023 flagged off the construction of four projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in Warri/Effurun Metropolis.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the projects are in fulfilment of the promises made to the electorates and his desire to give Warri/Effurun Metropolis the needed facelift.
“I stand here today filled with joy and excitement as we begin the process of giving Warri the desired facelift with this groundbreaking ceremony which signals the commencement of construction of four key projects in the Warri/Effurun Metropolis. It is the fulfillment of a promise I made after my inauguration as Governor on May 29, this year.
“My dear good people of Delta State, you will recall that the state government signed a contract with construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. for the execution of the projects that are commencing today. We have released the agreed sum as advance payment to the contractor, which on its part commenced surveys, final designs, sub-soil tests, and other activities precedent to the commencement of actual construction works. These are in addition to the establishment of site yards, offices, and life camps.
“The projects for which work is commencing today are as follows:
Design and Construction of Flyover Bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.
“Study, Design and Construction of Road Expansion And Improvement Works on the Section Of DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun Roundabout To DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway including Construction of a ¾ Cloverleaf Interchange at the Existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two Pedestrian Bridges, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
“Design and Construction of Flyover Bridge at PTI Junction, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
“Design and Construction of Flyover at DSC Roundabout, along the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
“The cumulative contract sum for the four projects is seventy-seven billion, nine hundred and ninety-seven million, one hundred and fifty-nine thousand, three hundred and thirty-nine-naira, and ninety-one kobo (N77,997,159,339.91) only. The contractor has a completion period of twenty-seven-months.
“These four strategic projects are aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun Roundabout, through PTI Road Junction to DSC Roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway at Effurun. They will also ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.
“As I said during the contract signing ceremony, these projects will not only change the face of the Warri-Effurun Metropolis, they will also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by commuters.
“As is often the case with road constructions of this nature there will be direct employment opportunities for our people, especially engineers, artisans, and labourers. Food vendors and suppliers, transporters, quarry operators and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.
“It is important to acknowledge that these roads are strategic and very busy roads in the region. Consequently, the construction works would result in traffic disruptions, diversions, and other inconveniences to motorists and commuters. The Government and contractor are aware of these challenges and would take all reasonable steps to minimize the disruptions.
“As the saying goes, there is no gain without pain. So, I appeal to motorists and pedestrians in the area to be patient, orderly, and obey traffic rules and regulations to facilitate ease of movement and reduce travel time through the construction area. The contractors require the understanding and maximum cooperation of the citizens to deliver these projects on schedule.
“Furthermore, motorists are encouraged to use the alternative routes in the vicinity whenever feasible to reduce the volume of traffic in the construction area. The State Government has commenced a programme of maintenance and rehabilitation of these alternative routes to reduce inconvenience to travelers and motorists.
“I urge the contractor to work relentlessly to meet the schedule we have agreed to. The immediate communities and their leaders should appreciate the enormous investment government is making and join hands with us to ensure the speedy completion of these projects.
“Let me conclude by saying that the projects commencing today underscore our commitment and determination to improve road and transport infrastructure as contained in the MORE Agenda of this administration. We shall continue to aggressively upgrade them across the three senatorial districts in the state as this will drive development in other sectors.
“Now, let the work begin!.
Responding on behalf of other Royal Fathers, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso expressed Joy and promised total support to the state Government.
Also, the Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in his speech said this is the first Contract Julius Berger is having with the Delta State Government, he thanked the state Government for the trust and promised to deliver a good Job.
Present at the ceremony are Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State; the Speaker; Delta State House of Assembly; Members of the National Assembly; The Chairman, Delta State PDP, Members of the state Executive Council; Members of the Delta State House of Assembly; Members of the Delta State Executive Council; The Secretary to the State Government; The Head of Service; Chief of Staff.
Others are: Senior Political Adviser; Senior Policy Adviser; Special Advisers; The Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc; Chairmen of Local Government Councils; Chairmen and Members of Commissions and Boards; Royal Fathers of different kingdoms; Other Top Government Functionaries.
