Oborevwori Committed To Balanced Development, Says Works Commissioner
Oborevwori Reaffirms Commitment to Balanced Development as Works Commissioner Inspects Ughelli Road Project
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, remains firmly committed to the development of all parts of the state, according to the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze. The commissioner gave this assurance on Friday during an unannounced inspection of the Okowa Crescent road project in Ughelli, Delta Central.
The inspection, carried out without prior notice to the contractor, was aimed at independently verifying the level of work done, assessing quality standards, and ensuring compliance with agreed timelines. Izeze said the visit confirmed that the project was progressing satisfactorily and remained on track for completion by March.
Surprise Inspection to Test Contractor Compliance
Explaining the rationale behind the unannounced visit, the commissioner said the ministry deliberately avoided informing the contractor in advance in order to get a true picture of activity on site.
“I did not call the contracting firm handling this project because I wanted to be sure they were on site,” Izeze said. “From what we have seen today, they are indeed on site and the work done so far is encouraging.”
He noted that the contractor had earlier informed the ministry that work resumed in the first week of January, and the surprise inspection confirmed full mobilisation and visible progress.
Dry Season Advantage and Quality Assurance
According to the commissioner, the contractor is taking full advantage of the dry season to accelerate construction, a strategy he described as critical to meeting the March completion target. He commended the quality of work executed so far, noting that attention to engineering standards would ensure durability and value for money.
Izeze expressed confidence that the project would be substantially completed within the next month, making it ready for inauguration as scheduled.
Road Infrastructure as Development Catalyst
Reaffirming Governor Oborevwori’s development philosophy, Izeze said road infrastructure remains a cornerstone of the administration’s statewide development agenda. He explained that improved road networks are essential to opening up communities, enhancing mobility, and stimulating economic activity across urban, rural, and riverine areas.
According to him, the Okowa Crescent project is part of a broader strategy to improve internal road connectivity in key towns such as Ughelli, which serves as a commercial and administrative hub in Delta Central.
“Roads are not just about movement; they are about access, opportunity, and growth,” the commissioner said. “This administration understands that development must be inclusive and spread across all parts of the state.”
Support for Indigenous Contractors
Izeze also used the opportunity to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to supporting indigenous contractors, stressing that patronage would continue as long as contractors deliver quality projects that meet public expectations.
He observed that indigenous contractors in Delta State have shown significant improvement in performance since the Oborevwori administration assumed office, attributing this progress to stricter supervision and higher benchmarks.
“The quality of work here is good. Our indigenous contractors have improved significantly since we assumed office,” he said. “But there is always room for improvement, and we expect them to continue to raise the bar.”
Monitoring as a Policy Tool
The commissioner said the inspection reflects the government’s resolve to closely monitor ongoing projects rather than rely solely on reports. He added that such oversight mechanisms are crucial to ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
As the March completion timeline approaches, Izeze said residents of Ughelli can expect the Okowa Crescent road to significantly improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life in the area.
