Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to immediately commence remedial work on the collapsed section of the East-West Road at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The directive followed the failure of the Federal Government-owned road after heavy rainfall triggered erosion at the affected section, leaving motorists, residents and businesses along the busy corridor facing increased hardship.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Thursday.
According to Aniagwu, Governor Oborevwori was concerned about the impact of the road collapse on road users and therefore directed Julius Berger to intervene despite the road being under the Federal Government.
He said the governor’s directive was aimed at restoring movement and reducing the hardship caused by the damaged portion of the major highway.
Aniagwu stated, “Although the East-West Road is a Federal Government-owned infrastructure, the governor is concerned about the hardship being experienced by Deltans and other Nigerians using the corridor.
“Consequently, he has directed Julius Berger to immediately intervene and undertake remedial works on the failed portion of the road.”
The commissioner said the intervention was consistent with the state government’s approach of responding to urgent infrastructure challenges based on the needs of residents, irrespective of whether such infrastructure falls under state or federal jurisdiction.
“For us, governance should be driven by the needs of the people and not by bureaucratic boundaries,” Aniagwu said.
He described the East-West Road as a critical economic corridor in the Niger Delta, linking several communities and facilitating the movement of people, farm produce, goods and services.
Aniagwu warned that prolonged disruption on the route could have serious consequences for commuters, transport operators, traders and businesses operating along the corridor.
He assured motorists and other road users that the remedial intervention would help improve traffic flow and ease the difficulties caused by the collapse.
The commissioner added that the Delta State Government would continue to collaborate with relevant Federal Government agencies and private-sector partners to tackle infrastructure challenges affecting residents and economic activities.
He, however, advised motorists approaching the affected section to exercise caution while remedial work is being carried out.
