The Delta State Government has held a meeting with the contractor handling the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Otu-Jeremi/Udu Road, from the Warri-Port Harcourt Expressway at ECN Junction to the DSC Expressway at Udu Road Junction, as work is set to begin on the project.
The meeting, held on Friday at the office of the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, brought together officials of Niger Cat Construction Limited and representatives of the host communities to discuss plans for the smooth execution of the project.
Speaking during the meeting, Izeze urged the contractor to complete the project within the agreed timeline, stressing that the road is critical to the economic and social development of the affected communities.
He said the contractor must maintain a cordial relationship with the host communities throughout the construction period to ensure there were no disruptions.
The commissioner introduced a Special Project Coordinator and community representatives who would serve as the link between the contractor, government and the host communities throughout the project.
According to him, representatives from the affected communities and the two local government areas would work together to resolve issues that may arise and ensure a peaceful working environment.
Izeze also advised the contractor to employ qualified workers based on the project’s needs while carrying the host communities along.
He disclosed that officials of the company and government representatives would pay a courtesy visit to the traditional rulers of the affected communities next Wednesday before the commencement of major construction work to seek their support for the project.
Speaking after the meeting, the Project Manager of Niger Cat Construction Limited, Engineer George, described the meeting as productive and said it had addressed key issues ahead of the project’s commencement.
“It was a very productive meeting. We discussed the commencement of the project and resolved the major issues before moving to the site. The aim is to ensure that every challenge is addressed before work begins. We appreciate His Excellency for the support,” he said.
Also speaking, the Community Representative for the project, Olorogun Sito Ena, described the meeting as successful.
He expressed confidence that the arrangement would promote cooperation between the contractor and the host communities.
Ena said he would work with communities across the two local government areas to ensure peaceful collaboration and the successful delivery of the road project.
The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Otu-Jeremi/Udu Road is expected to improve connectivity between communities in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas, ease transportation and boost economic activities in the area.
