Oborevwori’s Strict Oversight Ensures Value for Money In Delta – Aniagwu …Works Commissioner Inspects Projects In Aniocha North And Aniocha South

DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s strong emphasis on strict supervision is helping the state achieve quality projects and full value for money.

Aniagwu stated this on Wednesday during a wide inspection tour of ongoing and completed rural road projects in Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas. He issued clear instructions to contractors to correct detected errors and improve their work.

According to Aniagwu, constant oversight is necessary to balance contractors’ profit interests with the government’s responsibility to deliver quality projects to citizens.

He said, “His Excellency insists on constant supervision to create a win-win situation. Contractors can make their profits, but our people must also enjoy quality work. That is the essence of value for money.”

Aniagwu explained that regular site inspections help the ministry identify unexpected engineering issues that may not appear during project design. These include new culvert needs, erosion challenges, and compensation matters. Such issues, he added, are covered under the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) as contingency items.

The Commissioner, accompanied by the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, began the tour at the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road. He inspected the asphalt work and flood-control structures already installed.

While commending the contractor, he directed them to backfill drains and extend the discharge channel to improve water flow and prevent erosion.

“Supervision allows us to identify adjustments that will make these roads last longer,” he said.

The team also inspected: The 1.95km Atuma–Iga Internal Roads, The 1.2km Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji Way in Idumuje-Unor, The completed 2.75km Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo.

Aniagwu noted that his physical verification of the Onicha-Ugbo road was necessary before final payment is approved. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work on all the projects, especially at Idumuje-Unor and Atuma-Iga.

Aniagwu highlighted the governor’s policy of releasing dedicated funds to each local government, saying it has greatly accelerated rural development.

“These roads pass through communities where no ‘big men’ live,” he said. “This government is for everybody. Every community deserves development, not just the elite.

Responding to questions about roads that begin and end within the same community, Aniagwu clarified that internal (intra-community) roads are as important as inter-community roads.

“In many towns, you have six or seven quarters. These roads help people move around without difficulty,” he explained.

Aniagwu also revealed that the 2026 budget will increase funding for local government projects from N2.1 billion to about N5 billion. This rise follows the success recorded under the current funding model.

He added that contractors receive up to 40% mobilisation and are paid promptly once they complete and certify their projects.

“If the contractor finishes the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road in four weeks, Governor Oborevwori will pay within this budget year,” he assured.

On the gully developing along the Issele-Azagba–Otulu axis, Aniagwu said the ministry has already discussed the matter with engineers. He ordered immediate remedial action and promised additional measures to slow down water flow, which is the major cause of erosion.

“We will ensure the gully does not spread. We will control the speed of water so it no longer cuts through the soil,” he said.

Aniagwu reiterated that the government will continue to insist on quality work and ensure every necessary adjustment is made for durability.

“We are satisfied with what we have seen so far, but we will keep asking for the best. Our goal is to improve the lives of our people, no matter where they live,” he concluded.