Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Thursday defied the heavy rainfall to perform the groundbreaking of the 12 kilometers Ugbolu -Okpanam road project in Oshimili North Local Government Area. The groundbreaking ceremony had earlier been postponed due to poor weather conditions and heavy rainfall the previous week.

The governor while performing the function at Ugbolu, disclosed that the total cost of the project was about N21 billion. He noted that the event marked a furtherance of his administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructural projects across the state in line with his M.O.R.E. Agenda mantra. According to the governor, the delivering of infrastructure is the fulfilment of the Goals nine and 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

It goes with the saying that roads infrastructure is a core developmental need that is always in demand. A well developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth, it facilitates ease movement of goods, services and reduces transportation cost, the governor said. He noted that the Ugbolu-Okpanam road provided a vital link with the capacity to boost economic activities in the area and ensure improved living condition of residents in the fast growing communities within the state capital territory.

He said: The contract for the construction of this road has been awarded at the total cost of N21.3 billion and Government has made advance payment of 40 percent amounting to N8.5 billion to the contracting firm. He said that the road would have drainages on both sides, adding that government would not entertain any upward review or variations of the contract sum.

The governor charged the contracting firm to deliver the project in record time as government was ready to keep to its term of agreement by paying all certificates in due time. Oborevwori said: As at today, my administration is not owing any contractor, whether inherited or newly awarded projects. He, therefore, charged the contractor, Levant, to reciprocate the good gesture of government by delivering the project in record time and  specification.

In a welcome address, Chief Innocent Esewezie, Chairman, Oshimili North Local Government, lauded the governor for the project and many others executed in the LGA. He assured the governor of the people resolve to continue to support his administration to achieve greater success. He recalled that the ceremony was initially scheduled for Oct. 7 but had to be postponed due to weather conditions, commending the Governor for personally honouring his promise to perform the groundbreaking.

Esewezie noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road represents more than physical construction, describing it as a testament to the Governor’s transformative M.O.R.E Agenda. According to him, the local government had fully aligned with the Governor’s policies through localized development initiatives covering roads, markets, youth empowerment, and education. He said: Our confidence in your government remains absolute.

The people of Oshimili North are proud to partake in the dividends of your administration’s developmental strides. Also speaking, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr Michael Mbanefo, lauded the Governor for his progressive leadership and commitment to community development. He described the project as a symbol of unity, connectivity, and growth” and pledged the kingdom’s continued support for the Oborevwori administration.

On his part, Mr Elie Tannous,  the Managing Director of Levant Construction Company, commended the governor for entrusting his firm with the project, assuring that the company would execute the job within schedule and in strict adherence to quality standards.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the State Deputy Governor, Sir  Monday Onyeme, Deputy National Chairman (South) of APC, Chief Emma Eneukwu, State Chairman of the APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, community leaders and others