26 June 2023
In a bid to alleviate the suffering of motorist and commuters during the wet season, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon ẞheriff Oborevwori has ordered the demolition of buiildings
ngs on waterways
Oborevwori gave the order on Monday, during an inspection tour of Phases I and II of the Warri/Effurun Storm Water Control Projects in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the State.
The Governor said there was no place in the world where people were allowed to build on waterways and directed the Ministries of Housing, Works and Lands to identify and pull down all such buildings to allow free flow of water on natural water ways.
Oborevwori said: “We started the inspection with Phase ll of the storm water drainage project being handled by CCECC. They have five catchment areas. We have looked at their works and realised that they have done a lot as they have gone very far.
“They have some obstacles and we also looked at what is causing the obstacles and we discovered that there are some buildings on natural water ways causing obstructions and slowing down the spate of work being done by the construction firm.
“We also assured the contractors that all the buildings on the water ways, both in phase l and phase ll, will be brought down by the State Government to enable them complete their work seamlessly.
“They have assured us that they need 21 days for some of the areas they have opened, that are causing gridlock, to be properly fixed and the drainage crossing Airport Road by Fani Kayode was casted on Saturday and it would be fixed in 19 days time
“On phase l of the project, there are lots of buildings on the water ways and l have called on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Works to liaise with the Ministry of Lands to faction out how those buildings on water ways can be brought down to enable the construction firm have unfettered access to do their work,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, the Governor Oborevwori expressed dissatisfaction with the work being carried out on the Warri City Stadium axis,by the contracting firm . He however promised to study the contract to ensure prompt and quality delivery of the project.
“l came here to inspect what the contractor handling this project has done and l am not satisfied with what I see.
“But the contractor said what they are working according to the scope of the contract awarded to them. So, we are going to view the contract and find out what can be done to ensure speedy and quality delivery of the project.
“Some of the areas that are not properly scoped will be re-scoped. We want the best for Warri and this is the Warri City Stadium,” he said.
At Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, the Governor ordered relocation of Delta Appreciate Park and those trading along the road.
According to him; “we are planning something there but when one is planning, there is need to inspect the place. I saw a motor park at that junction and that’s not acceptable at all.
“Trading along the roadside is also not acceptable, it is risky trading on the express road.
“Last week we met with His Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli, the Council Chairman and the President General and we discussed at length and that the market need to be relocated from that place as it is causing lots of hardship to travellers.
“I have directed the Council Chairman to ensure that motor park is relocated from that place and those trading on the road need to move.
“We have prepared a location for them and have directed the Ministry of Works to come up with a proposal to enable constitution of access road to the new market.”
At Isheagu-Ewulu Road and bridge, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, the Governor expressed satisfaction with work done by the contracting firm assuring that the project would be ready for commissioning in September.
“I am satisfied with work done so far and the beauty of this road is that it connects two communities. The new bridge would be a saving grace for these two communities since the old bridge connecting Isheagu- Ewulu has collapsed
“The contractor has assured that by end of August, the entire bridge and 9.1km of road would be due for commissioning,” he stated.
