Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to immediately intervene in the collapsed section of the East-West Road at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The directive followed growing hardship faced by motorists, residents and businesses after the federal highway was washed out by erosion triggered by heavy rainfall.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Thursday.
Aniagwu said the governor was concerned about the impact of the road failure on residents and other road users despite the road being under the Federal Government.
He said, “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 decision was part of the administration’s approach to addressing infrastructure challenges based on the immediate needs of the people.
Aniagwu stated, “For us, governance should be driven by the needs of the people and not by bureaucratic boundaries.”
He described the East-West Road as a major economic route connecting communities across the Niger Delta and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
According to him, disruption of the road could affect commuters, transport operators, traders and businesses operating along the corridor.
Aniagwu assured road users that the intervention would help restore smoother traffic flow and reduce the difficulties caused by the collapsed section.
He added that the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant Federal Government agencies and private-sector partners to address infrastructure challenges affecting economic activities and residents’ welfare.
The commissioner urged motorists to exercise caution around the affected section while remedial works were being carried out.
