The Delta State Government on Thursday, reassured residents of its commitment to completing ongoing road projects across the state, emphasizing that no project under the current administration will be abandoned.
The Honourable Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the assurance in Government House, Asaba while addressing protesters who gathered over concerns about the condition and pace of work on the Achalla-Ibusa road project.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and acknowledged their support for the administration’s efforts.
“On behalf of His Excellency, our dear Governor, I appreciate all of you for your very peaceful disposition during this protest,”
“Let me also thank you for your kind words of love because you have recognized that he has taken steps to improve infrastructure across the 25 local governments in our state, including Oshimili North and South.” Aniagwu said.
Aniagwu noted that the Governor was fully aware of the protest and had directed him to engage directly with the demonstrators and assess the situation.
The Commissioner explained that the road project formed part of a broader development corridor designed to enhance access between Asaba and Ibusa communities.
“I am happy that you have acknowledged that work is ongoing from the Asaba axis of the corridor. The road is a critical link to Ibusa, intended to provide cleaner and easier access to your community”
“When we inspected the road, we drove from the Asaba axis through to the Ibusa axis to gain a full understanding of the entire stretch.”
He further disclosed that he had contacted the contractor prior to the engagement and confirmed their presence on site.
“I have spoken to the contractor before coming here, and he confirmed they are on site, and truly, they are working,” Aniagwu added.
Addressing fears of project abandonment, the Commissioner gave a firm assurance that the administration would see the project through to completion.
According to him, “No project awarded or reviewed by this administration will suffer neglect. That will not happen”
“Governor Oborevwori is even completing projects awarded by previous administrations up to 15 to 18 years ago. So, for this one awarded a few years ago, you can take it to the bank — it will be completed.”
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rainy season and explained that immediate efforts would focus on making the road motorable while ensuring long-term durability.
“We will direct our engineers to visit the site and, where necessary, instruct the contractor to make the road passable, especially because the rains are here,”
“However, we must also ensure that the job is done according to specification so the road can stand the test of time.”
The Commissioner also emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement, encouraging residents to utilize official reporting channels.
“We want our people to participate and be transparent. That is why we introduced the whistleblower line. If you observe any challenge, you can take a picture and send it directly,”
“The line is managed by the Governor himself, who ensures prompt attention to reported issues” he said.
Earlier, the Youth President of Achalla-Ibusa, Comrade Lawrence Nwanze, who led the peaceful demonstration, said the protesters had converged at Government House, Asaba, to appeal to the Governor to direct the contractor handling the Achalla-Ibusa road project to accelerate the pace of work.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his impactful infrastructural strides and sustained expansion of road networks across the state, Nwanze urged him to also mandate the contractor to commence work from the Ibusa axis of the project.
“We are appealing to our Executive Governor of Delta State, whom we acknowledge has performed commendably in road construction and connectivity. His achievements in this regard are indeed noteworthy,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern over the deplorable state of the Achalla-Ibusa road, describing the experience of commuters—particularly from the axis of the late former Deputy Governor’s area into the community—as extremely distressing.
“We earnestly appeal for urgent intervention, as the condition of this road has become unbearable. Traversing this stretch is a harrowing experience, and we cannot conceal our dissatisfaction,” Nwanze added.
Reaffirming the community’s support for the governor, he noted that their continued confidence in his administration was anchored on the belief in his capacity to address their challenges.
“We supported him in the last election and remain committed to doing so, because we believe Governor Oborevwori represents a solution to our challenges.
“The completion of this road will resolve a significant proportion of the issues confronting Achalla-Ibusa,” he stated.
The protest concluded peacefully, with residents expressing optimism that the assurances received would translate into expedited progress on the road project.