Delta Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Timely, Quality Road Projects — Warns Against Illegal Speed Breakers
THE Delta State Government has restated its commitment to delivering durable, high-quality road projects across the state, warning communities and contractors against the indiscriminate installation of illegal speed breakers on public roads.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the warning during an inspection of rehabilitation and construction projects in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas.
Speaking during the inspection of the 13-kilometre Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usieffurun–Orhuwhorun Road rehabilitation project, Izeze said the intervention would ease movement and reduce travel time for residents travelling between Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun and Ekakpamre.
He noted that although the project, awarded in June 2024, had recorded good progress, drainage challenges—caused by a natural water channel within the corridor—needed urgent attention to guarantee the road’s longevity.
“We need an effective discharge system to channel stormwater properly. Once these issues are addressed, this road will stand the test of time,” he said, adding that the contractor had been urged to speed up work ahead of the rainy season.
At the Effurun-Otor/Iwhrekekan–Ughevwughe–Eruemukohwaren–Otor-Edo–Usieffurun Road project, the commissioner said about 4.2 kilometres of drainage work had been completed. The project is now awaiting the wearing course and installation of concrete slabs.
He expressed concern over slow progress on the Ughevwughe axis but confirmed that the contractor had returned to site.
“That project has taken longer than expected, but we are optimistic that the asphalt overlay will be completed within the next two months,” he said.
Izeze added that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would be briefed on the need for additional remedial work to ensure that communities such as Otor-Edo fully benefit from the project.
The commissioner issued a strong warning to residents and contractors erecting illegal speed breakers on newly rehabilitated roads.
He announced that the ministry would soon begin a sensitisation campaign in Orhuwhorun, Usieffurun, Ekrokpe and neighbouring communities to educate residents on the need for official approval before installing speed breakers.
“Fixing speed breakers on any road requires ministry approval. Anyone installing unauthorized speed breakers will face consequences,” he said.
Izeze added that illegal speed breakers pose safety risks and slow traffic unnecessarily. He directed that any contractor-installed breakers done without approval must be removed.
Managing Director of Obakpor Engineering, Ricardo Oguma, explained that work along the corridor had been challenging due to the densely populated communities and heavy human activity.
He said the company installed a few speed bumps at busy junctions to ease traffic flow but confirmed that 750 metres of drainage—captured in the project design—had been completed.
Oguma commended the host communities for their “one hundred per cent cooperation.”
The inspection tour, Izeze said, reflects the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to people-centred infrastructure, quality assurance and value for money across Delta State.
