The Delta State government expressed optimism regarding the completion of the Obo River bridge project along Sector C of the Ughelli-Asaba highway, which is currently 45 per cent complete.
During an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site near Ogwashi Uku, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, emphasised the administration’s commitment to building durable infrastructure for the benefit of the people, as directed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
During the visit, a team from the ministry conducted a concrete cube test to ensure that the concrete used in the project complies with design specifications.
Izeze stated, “In line with this mandate, no stone will be left unturned to achieve this, hence our tour of these project sites. We will not relent on our responsibilities.”
Mr. Zhou, the site supervisor, received the inspection team and reported that work is progressing steadily and safely, with the project expected to be delivered on schedule and according to specifications.
He noted his surprise at the unscheduled visit but expressed satisfaction that the team was not caught off guard, promising to uphold their reputation for quality and durable construction.
In a related visit, Commissioner Izeze also assessed an erosion site in the Obinomba community within the Ukwuani Local Government Area. Accompanied by Hon. Chukwudi Dafe, the member representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Izeze addressed the community’s concerns and pledged to relay his observations and findings to the appropriate authorities.
In an interview with journalists, the people of Obinomba called on the state government to come to their aid and save them from the fear of imminent total collapse and disappearance of their community due to the yearly severe eruption of the tornado-like erosion, ravaging the area.
A community leader and a retired principal, Mr. Fidelis Osuyali, a retired principal, said the erosion, which started like child’s play, is eating deep and ravaging the community with every raindrop.
He said the former footpath through Ojudo Street, to the Ethiope River, which has become a huge gully, will soon wash away most of the houses around the area if the government does not come to their rescue since all their personal and community efforts to tackle the erosion menace have failed repeatedly.
He said most of the indigenes of the community had made concerted moves to provide relief measures, to put in check the damage brought by the erosion, and that it was time they cried out for fear of being swallowed up by the tornado-like erosion that is ravaging the community.
Mr Osuyali noted that, when their houses were built a few years ago, they could drive their cars effortlessly to their compounds, close to the Ethiope River bank, but the story is not the same today.
Also speaking, a Director of Administration, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Pina Obianugba, a native of the community, said if action is not taken urgently, the devastating erosion will cause greater havoc to the peaceful community.
He recalled his growing-up days, when they used to walk freely through the bush path to the river for fishing, farming, trading, and riverine transportation, from their community to all the neighbouring towns and villages.
Mr Pina said it is indeed sad and excruciating to see his beloved community being washed away.
He emphasised that it is baffling to see the river being filled with sand from the force of the erosion, which has persistently caused them nightmares.
He said the old Sapele – Agbor Road, which is the only viable route for commerce and trade, should be protected to save lives and property.
Mr Pina pointed out that dangerous reptiles often come out of the huge gully at the end of Onojafe Street, another worst-hit section of the town.
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