Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has restated his administration’s zero-tolerance for substandard work and project delays while inspecting the ongoing Ugbolu–Okpanam Road and Phase 2 of the Oko-Anala–Oko-Ogbele–Oko-Odifili Road projects.
During an on-site assessment of the 12.12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road on Tuesday, the governor said his visit was to independently verify the pace and quality of construction, stressing that governance requires hands-on supervision beyond paperwork and technical briefings.
He explained that the project gained priority in July last year following persistent transportation difficulties faced by residents, with the groundbreaking held in October. Although initially scheduled for completion within 18 months, the contractor has now indicated readiness to deliver the project by December.
Providing technical insight, Oborevwori noted that the road features an eight-metre carriageway within an overall width of about 11 metres, flanked by expansive concrete drainage systems designed to tackle the area’s long-standing flooding problems. He observed that Okpanam’s elevated terrain often channels stormwater into lower surrounding communities, making comprehensive drainage essential.
The governor emphasized that the new drainage infrastructure would significantly mitigate flooding by safely directing water to nearby rivers, assuring residents that the improvements would become evident during the rainy season.
He described the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road as a strategic link that will strengthen economic activity, ease mobility, and foster social integration between adjoining communities, reiterating his administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across both urban and rural areas.
At the Phase 2 site of the Oko-Anala–Oko-Ogbele–Oko-Odifili Road, the governor expressed concern over the contractor’s initial August 2027 completion projection, directing that the timeline be drastically shortened. He revealed that the difficult terrain required excavation and replacement of unsuitable clay soil to ensure durability.
Oborevwori assured residents that funding has been fully secured and contractors mobilized, stressing that delays would not be tolerated. He urged contractors to accelerate work and meet revised deadlines, warning that future government contracts would depend on proven performance.
Reaffirming his administration’s development philosophy, the governor declared that quality standards remain non-negotiable, emphasizing that infrastructure must be durable, functional, and delivered on schedule to meet the needs of the people.
