Oborevwori Orders Investigation Into Isoko Ring Road Amid Quality Concerns
Governor Orders Immediate Inspection Following Public Complaints
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered an investigation into the ongoing Isoko Ring Road project following growing complaints from residents of Ofagbe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area over the alleged poor quality of construction.
Acting on the governor’s directive, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, led an unscheduled inspection of the project to assess the allegations firsthand. He was accompanied by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho, and other senior ministry officials.
According to Izeze, the governor initiated the inspection after receiving numerous complaints through his personal communication channels, alongside reports of protests staged by members of the host community.
Government Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Substandard Projects
Speaking during the inspection despite heavy rainfall, the commissioner stressed that the administration remains committed to ensuring strict compliance with quality standards on all public infrastructure projects.
He disclosed that ministry engineers had previously visited the site, identified serious deficiencies in the execution of the project and consequently directed the contractor to suspend work pending further assessment.
“Our responsibility is to establish the facts as they exist on the ground,” Izeze said.
“The governor has consistently insisted that every kobo spent by the Delta State Government must deliver value to the people. We have inspected the project and will submit our findings to him. Appropriate decisions will be taken based on those findings.”
He noted that the Oborevwori administration would not compromise on quality, emphasizing that public infrastructure must meet approved engineering specifications before government funds are certified as well spent.
Residents Demand Contract Review
Community members who spoke during the inspection expressed disappointment with what they described as poor workmanship on the road and drainage components of the project.
Residents, including Edo Samuel and Raphael Idoghor, alleged that the contractor had repeatedly failed to meet acceptable construction standards despite previous government interventions.
They also claimed that construction activities had been inconsistent, with work frequently abandoned for extended periods before resuming briefly.
According to them, repeated efforts to engage the contractor on the quality of execution produced little improvement.
The community appealed to the Delta State Government to consider revoking the contract if necessary and awarding it to a more competent contractor capable of delivering a durable road.
Focus on Accountability
The latest inspection reflects the Oborevwori administration’s emphasis on project monitoring, quality assurance and fiscal accountability as infrastructure development continues across Delta State.
Officials are expected to submit their report to the governor, whose decision could determine the future of the contractor and the completion of one of the state’s important road projects.
