By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze has assured the people of Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo communities that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State would complete the Ayakoromo bridge project for the overall development of the area.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project, weekend, Izeze said Governor Oborevwori being a man of his words was very desirous to bringing the bridge construction to a logical conclusion for the benefit of the people.
Comrade Izeze who described Governor Oborevwori as a promise keeper and unusual Governor rendering unusual governance, disclosed that he was at the project site at the instance of the Governor to ascertain the level of work done so far by the contracting firm and challenges affecting the project.
The Commissioner who was in company of the Deputy Director, Highways, Ministry of Works, Engr. Victor Oputa and other engineers of the ministry, apologized to the people of Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo communities for the long abandonment of the project, appealing to them to keep faith with the Governor.
He said: “Well, I wish to apologize to the communities involved, Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo considering the fact that the project was awarded in 2012, that is some 12 years ago.
“However, I must commend the past administration of Senator. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for reactivating the project by determining the existing contract and bringing on board, Setraco, not only gave them the contract, but he also mobilized them with 25% so they could get to the site. They would have been here long before now but for the rains.
“The nature of this job, you are only working in the dry season so that you can achieve maximum results.
“As for the readiness of this project, when it will be ready, and if this administration is committed to the project, the fact that I have come here today, should be loud enough to the inhabitants of Ayakoromo and Egbo-Ide.
“If they had any doubts which was necessitated by the long abandonment of the project by the original contractor, I appeal to them to clear those doubts.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori is a man of his words. He is a promise keeper and an unusual Governor, rendering unusual governance for Deltans.
“That I have come here, I will go back and tell him what I have seen and my engineers will also tell him what they have seen. I can assure you, this project, His Excellency is very desirous to bring it to a logical conclusion,” Comrade Izeze said.
Welcoming the Commissioner earlier, the Deputy Director, Highways of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Victor Oputa said that the Ayakoromo bridge which is 612 km long with 18 spans of 34 meters each when completed, would boost the businesses of the inhabitants of Egbo-Ide, Ayakoromo and other communities in the State.
