Oborevwori’s Road Projects Transform Gbaramatu Communities, Says Clark
By MAY ETAGHERURE ATUZULO
DELTA State Commissioner for the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure Development, Chief Ebikeme Clark, has praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for transforming road infrastructure in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Clark spoke during a final inspection of completed internal road projects in Kantu and Ijaghala communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area.
The projects comprise concrete rigid pavement roads and side drains.
An indigenous contractor, Ponkebi Nigeria Limited, executed the projects.
Long-Standing Infrastructure Gap Addressed
Clark described the projects as a major breakthrough for the riverine communities.
He said residents had endured the absence of internal roads for many years.
According to him, the new infrastructure would improve movement within the communities and make it easier to transport people and goods.
The roads would also help address some environmental challenges.
Clark said improved accessibility could stimulate economic activities and create new opportunities for residents.
“Historically, these communities have never enjoyed internal roads,” he said, describing the development as evidence of the state government’s commitment to riverine communities.
Roads to Improve Connectivity
The commissioner said the projects would do more than improve road surfaces.
They would connect communities that had faced serious mobility challenges because of the difficult riverine terrain.
For residents, better internal roads could reduce the difficulties associated with moving between neighbourhoods and neighbouring settlements.
Clark also expressed optimism that the projects would strengthen relationships between Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the area.
He noted that both groups had co-existed peacefully for centuries.
According to him, improved infrastructure could further support their social and economic interaction.
Communities Welcome Development
Residents of Kantu and Ijaghala welcomed the completed projects.
Community representatives thanked Governor Oborevwori for approving and completing the roads.
Those who spoke included Chief Arthur Iyagu, Ibibio Ezekiel, Elder Samson Menekoko, Ijaghala Woman Leader Mrs Renieri Grace, Mr Okoturu Edwin and Toju Ebitor.
They described the roads as “life-changing”.
The residents said the projects had improved the physical appearance of their communities.
More importantly, they said the roads had helped address longstanding problems associated with flooding, erosion and poor accessibility.
Better Access, Fewer Movement Challenges
According to the residents, the absence of internal roads had restricted movement for years.
Transporting people and goods within the communities was difficult.
Movement to neighbouring settlements also presented major challenges.
The completed roads are expected to ease some of those difficulties.
The addition of side drains could also improve water management around the road corridors.
That could help communities cope with some of the flooding and erosion problems residents identified.
Government Promises More Intervention
Clark assured the communities that the Delta State Government would continue addressing the infrastructure challenges peculiar to riverine areas.
He thanked the governor for his interest in developing riverine communities across the state.
“This is not just about roads; it is about connecting our people, opening up opportunities and ensuring that no community is left behind in the development of the state,” he said.
The commissioner said the projects form part of the administration’s wider development programme.
He added that the government would continue extending infrastructure to communities affected by difficult terrain.
Residents Pledge Support
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention.
They said the completed roads had allowed residents to experience government’s presence at the grassroots.
Community leaders also pledged continued support for the Oborevwori administration.
For Gbaramatu Kingdom, the immediate significance of the projects lies in improved mobility and access.
Over time, however, residents will expect the infrastructure to support stronger economic activity and provide a lasting solution to some of the environmental and transportation difficulties that have affected the communities for years.
