Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to immediately commence remedial work on the collapsed portion of the East-West Road at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The directive followed the failure of the Federal Government-owned road after heavy rainfall caused erosion around the affected section, disrupting movement and creating difficulties for motorists, residents and businesses.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Thursday.
According to Aniagwu, Oborevwori was concerned about the hardship caused by the damaged road and ordered Julius Berger to intervene despite the road being under the ownership of the Federal Government.
He said, “Although the East-West Road is a Federal Government-owned infrastructure, the governor is concerned about the hardship being experienced by Deltans and other Nigerians using the corridor.
Consequently, he has directed Julius Berger to immediately intervene and undertake remedial works on the failed portion of the road.”
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Aniagwu said the governor’s decision was consistent with the administration’s policy of responding to pressing infrastructure needs without allowing administrative boundaries to delay interventions.
For us, governance should be driven by the needs of the people and not by bureaucratic boundaries,” Aniagwu stated.
The commissioner described the East-West Road as a critical economic route in the Niger Delta, noting that it connects communities and facilitates the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
He warned that the disruption could have consequences for commuters, transport operators, traders and businesses along the corridor.
Aniagwu assured motorists and other road users that the remedial intervention would improve traffic flow and ease the difficulties caused by the collapsed section.
He added that the Delta State Government would continue collaborating with relevant Federal Government agencies and private-sector partners to tackle infrastructure problems affecting residents and economic activities.
The commissioner also advised motorists to approach the affected section with caution while the remedial work continues.