The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has recently initiated emergency repairs on the East-West Road, a crucial route linking Warri in Delta State to Benin in Edo State, in response to the alarming deterioration of several sections of the highway. The repairs primarily target the most damaged areas around Ibadulume, Amukpe roundabout, Mosoga, and Ologbo. This urgent maintenance effort was confirmed by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, during a site inspection that included key members of the commission, such as the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, and other directors, highlighting the NDDC’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructural challenges in the region.
Dr. Ogbuku expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the directive that prompted the swift restoration of the East-West Road’s dilapidated segments. The NDDC has mobilized a civil engineering firm to carry out these remedial works promptly, with the intent of alleviating the traffic and logistic woes faced by the local populace during the ongoing construction by the main contractor. This initiative underscores the federal government’s responsiveness to the public’s concerns about the poor state of the road, which had seen previous contracts abandoned without completion.
In his remarks, Ogbuku commended the Federal Government for acting promptly on various media reports and public outcry regarding the road’s disrepair. He expressed optimism that the reinstated contract for the road project, now being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works, would lead to a durable and lasting improvement in the road’s condition. His confidence stems from the urgent attention being paid to the project and the accountability measures now in place to ensure that the road will meet the community’s needs for years to come.
As the construction progresses, Ogbuku urged local communities and commuters to be patient and cooperative with the contractors on site. He assured residents that the NDDC is fully invested in completing the repairs expeditiously and that every effort is being made to minimize the inconvenience caused by construction activities. His message emphasized the importance of community support during this challenging period, noting that patience and understanding would facilitate smoother operations and quicker project completion.
Reflecting on the specifics of the construction, Ogbuku mentioned that the NDDC has already mobilized contractors and necessary equipment ahead of the ongoing works. The firm in charge of the repairs, led by Managing Director Mr. Adara Opeoluwa, provided insights into the scope of the repairs, which include fixing three-kilometer portions in the critically affected areas. The contractor has committed to completing the repair works in two weeks, aiming to restore normalcy and reduce the significant disruption faced by commuters who rely on this vital transportation link.
In conclusion, the NDDC’s proactive measures to repair the East-West Road demonstrate a concerted response to infrastructural decay and transportation challenges plaguing the Niger Delta region. The swift actions taken under presidential directives reflect a commitment to development and improvement in the lives of the people in these communities. As repairs continue, the collaboration between the NDDC, federal government, and local citizens will be essential in ensuring successful project execution and enhancing the region’s overall connectivity and economic potential.
