ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday inaugurated the construction of the N29.8bn Aboh-Akarai road and bridge project in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
The project further reflects the governor’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development across riverine, rural, and urban communities in the state.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Oborevwori said his administration had remained deliberate and organised in implementing its infrastructure agenda, with strategic efforts focused on linking communities through dependable and durable road networks capable of driving economic growth, renewal, and improved living standards.
He said the project demonstrated his administration’s determination to ensure that no part of the state is excluded from the benefits of democracy, irrespective of terrain or location.
He said: “This particular project came to my attention after the deputy governor attended a burial ceremony in Akarai.
“It took him several hours to access the community, and upon his return, he appealed passionately for the approval of this road project.
“He told me that approving the road would mean touching lives in the rural communities, and I immediately assured him that the project would be done. Today, that promise has become a reality.”
Oborevwori disclosed that the 11-kilometre road project, stretching from Aboh through Umuti to Akarai-Obodo and Akarai-Etiti, would be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement because of the swampy terrain, noting that asphalt would not survive the environmental conditions.
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He explained that the terrain consists of dense mangrove forests, deep swamps, low-lying areas, and heavy clay deposits, but assured residents that the project symbolised the government’s resolve to overcome developmental challenges.
The governor further revealed that the project would include continuous reinforced concrete pavement, concrete drains, culverts of different sizes, and a 140-metre multi-span bridge across the Okiri River.
He noted that the road had been deliberately elevated above the flood levels recorded during the devastating 2012 flooding to ensure all-season accessibility even during future floods.
Describing the project as more than “bricks and mortar,” Oborevwori said the road would boost economic activities, attract investments, generate employment opportunities, and ease the transportation of farm produce and goods from rural communities to markets.
“For many years, residents of these communities have depended largely on river transportation.
“But with the completion of this road, things will change for the better.
“Movement will become easier, farmers will transport their produce to markets faster, students will gain easier access to schools, patients will reach hospitals without stress, and families will remain connected even during the rainy season,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the contractor handling the project had already been mobilised to the site with a 40 per cent advance payment of N11.9bn, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 12-month period.
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He also announced that the next groundbreaking ceremony under his administration would be for the 10-kilometre Ojobo-Torugbene Road in Burutu Local Government Area, valued at N32.8bn.
Oborevwori urged community leaders, youths, and residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure smooth execution of the project.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, while speaking at the event, commended Oborevwori for what he described as unprecedented commitment to the development of the Ndokwa Nation.
“The vision that I once brought before you has today become a reality.
“On behalf of the entire Ndokwa Nation Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas, we say a very big thank you,” Onyeme said.
According to the deputy governor, the Akarai community was witnessing a tarred road for the first time in its history, a development many residents had once considered impossible.
He assured the governor of massive support from the Ndokwa Nation in the forthcoming election in appreciation of the developmental projects executed across the area.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, said Oborevwori had continued to silence critics with bold infrastructure projects worth several billions of naira across the state.
The Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Council, Vincent Oshilonya, said, “Our people have suffered for many years because of poor access roads. This project will ease transportation, improve commerce, and create opportunities for families, farmers, workers, and business owners.”