By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Delta State Executive Council (Exco) meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, approved a number of road projects as well as upward review of some of the existing road contracts in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu disclosed this while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Asaba.
Mr. Aniagwu said as part of deliberate effort aimed at strengthening flood control measures in Asaba, the state Exco approved the asphalt tarring of Ogbe-Ilo/Ogbomata Street in Asaba with a discharge at Ogbe-Ogonogo into the River Niger.
He said that there was an upward review of the Okpolo/Enwhe/Uwheru Road, phase lll in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, adding that the road leads towards Ughelli Port-Harcourt Expressway.
According to him, “The Okpolo/Enwhe/Uwheru Road was initially awarded at a cost of N4.1 billion, pointing out that the contract sum of the project was reviewed upward to N4.9 billion by the state Exco in view of the prevailing economic circumstances in the country.
“We also have an upward review of Ajaji/Ofili/Nwaomu-Iloukwu Streets, here in Asaba. We did not just review this particular road but also added the construction of Odogwu close which will start by the stop over junction to A-Division Police Station along Nnebisi Road.
“At today’s Exco, we equally approved the upward review of the construction of Okwuogori Street and lane in Ika South Local Government Area of the state from N497.7 million to about N569 million,” the Commissioner said.
Mr. Aniagwu further disclosed that approval for the construction of the 1.96 km Agbor-Nta/Ewuru Road in Ika South was given by the Exco, adding that there was an upward review of the Ozuoniaogbe/Ogbodia Street in Ekuku Agbor, also in Ika South.
He added that the construction of Onovo community roads in Oghara, Ethiope West was equally given by the state Exco, pointing out that the about 1.8km was a new construction.
The Commissioner stated that the state Exco had approved the replacement of the traffic law enacted in 1972 with the 2023 new regulations that will make it possible for the state traffic agency to be in a position to regulate properly, the use of roads in the state in respect to the realities of the moment.
“Before now, we had a traffic control law that was passed as far back as 1972. Today, we have approved the replacement of that law with the 2023 new regulations that will make it possible for our traffic agencies to be in a position to regulate properly, the use of our roads in respect to the realities of the moment,” he said.
On the presence of youths from other parts of the country in strategic spots in Asaba, Mr. Aniagwu implored the youths to be law abiding, emphasising that government will not condone any act that may undermine peace and security in the state.
He maintained that Delta was home to all because of the accommodating nature of Deltans.
On the meeting held between the governor and stakeholders from Delta North Senatorial District of the state, the Commissioner said that the governor urged the people to extend same level of support given to him to Chief Sheriff Oborevwori to enable him achieve his MORE Agenda for Deltans by the time he assumes office on May 29 as governor of the state.
He thanked the people of Delta North for throwing their weight behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election, even as he assured them of better days ahead.
“The governor and the leadership of the party in Delta North thanked the political leaders and the people of Delta North for supporting overwhelmingly, the PDP in this last governorship eletion.
“And that Delta North did so much to reward the PDP and then reposed a lot of confidence in the person of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the candidate of the PDP and now Governor-elect.
“The governor urged them to continue to support the Governor-elect the same way they supported him so that at the end of the day, we will have an administration that will be treated as if it is one of their own,” he added.
