The Delta State government has clarified that the Umejei Road project in Ibusa, located in Oshimili North Local Government Area, is intended for expansion rather than dualization.
Comrade Reuben Izeze, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), made this announcement shortly after inspecting the project on Tuesday. He emphasized the importance of this clarification in light of rumours suggesting that the 4-kilometer road was to be dualized.
Comrade Izeze urged the people of the state not to misrepresent the government on any issue, noting that the government is an institution with designated spokespersons and media aides. He insisted that the government would communicate through official representatives.
The Commissioner reiterated that the road project was approved for expansion by the state Governor, not for dualization, and emphasized that the Governor’s directive regarding the project was clear.
He also encouraged residents in the area to dismiss the rumours about dualization, pointing out that the level of traffic in Ibusa town does not justify the need for a dualized road in the first place.
“For the purpose of the general public and Deltans, particularly the indigenes and inhabitants of Ibusa town, when His Excellency, the Governor came here on that particular day, accompanied by the council Chairman, Hon. Innocent Eseweze, his directive to the Ministry of Works, Department of Highways and Urban Roads was very unambiguous, expansion of road and double side drains.
“At no time was the discussion about dualisation even contemplated because His Excellency, by nature, has an attachment to traditional homes because he is also, from a community.
“Most importantly, the volume of traffic in Ibusa town is not enough to even demand a dualisation of this road in the first place.
“So, it was not contemplated. His Excellency approved an expansion of this road to 10 meters width with two side drains across the 4km stretch of the road,” the Commissioner said.
He pointed out that the contract was awarded by the State Executive Council as represented by the state Tenders Board to Leb Tech Construction Company, an expatriate construction firm that had been doing business with the Delta State Government before now.
Comrade Izeze who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far, implored residents of Ibusa town to cooperate with the firm handling the project so that the timeline for the execution of the project will be met.
“I am very very satisfied with the quality of work done so far by the contractor handling the project. I have no doubt with the capacity of the firm to deliver quality project.
“We do hope that they will continue to maintain this standard and the pace of work so that they can complete the drains and the project before the rains start falling torrentially,” the Commissioner added.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the company handling the project, Elie Zahoue said barring all unforeseen circumstances, the project would be completed on before five to six months time.
In his remarks during the inspection, the President General of Ibusa community, Chief Victor Ochulor, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the project, adding that the people of Ibusa were delighted about the project.
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