By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, on Monday, commissioned the Uromi Junction Flyover Bridge in Agbor, Ika South LGA, for construction at the cost of N59.7 billion.
In a speech at the ceremony, Oborevwori described the project as “a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond”.
He said that the project was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which had led to loss of lives and valuables over the years.
He said the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, “made a lasting solution inevitable”.
The governor said that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
He said the project included a 1.3 kilometre flyover bridge on the Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability.
He also disclosed that the state government had set aside N100billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4billion to each of the 25 LGAs “for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments”.
He said that in addition to the flyover project, Ika South LGA was also benefiting from the N15.4 billion contract awarded for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion.
“It is also benefiting from the planned N12 billion 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road.
“As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence, and excellence will always attract further patronage,” he said.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries, expressed the confidence that the flyover would be completed in record time.
Earlier, former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa described the flyover project as a monumental and impactful project, commending Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development.
Okowa said the scale and spread of infrastructure projects across the state by the current administration reflected purposeful and people-oriented governance.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his economic reforms, saying that, though initially challenging, they were deliberately steering Nigeria towards a more sustainable future.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, reminded the Ika people about the many infrastructure projects executed by the current administration in the area and urged their continued support for the governor in the years ahead.
Speaking on behalf of the Management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger, Mr Frederich Weiser thanked the Delta Government for awarding the project to the company.
Weiser described the gesture as a demonstration of confidence in the company.
He pledged that the project would be delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, and completed on schedule with minimal disruptions.
In a remark, the Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the commission was poised to collaborate with the State Government to complete the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road.
Ebie described the road as a vital feeder route to the new flyover.
The Chairman, Ika South LGA, Mr Jerry Ehiwarior, also described the flyover as “a project of destiny”.
Ehiwarior thanked the governor for the project and the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for over 14 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was attended by prominent politicians, including the lawmaker representing Ika Federal Constituency, Mr Victor Nwokolo, and APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the project “exemplifies the governor’s unwavering commitment to people-centred governance and purposeful infrastructure delivery”.
“The Uromi Flyover, alongside the Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli and the three others nearing completion at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction, demonstrate the administration’s resolve to tackle traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility across major cities in Delta,” Aniagwu said.
He further said that it would also strengthen inter-state connectivity between Delta and its neighbouring states.
He described it as “a historic intervention” that will deliver enduring socio-economic benefits to present and future generations of the area and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).
Edited by Sam Oditah
