From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, flagged off the construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, the governor described it as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori said the flyover was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which, he noted, had, over the years, claimed lives and destroyed property.
According to him, the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
The project, he explained, includes a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability.
Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries for the groundbreaking ceremony, stressed the strategic importance of the corridor, describing it as a major economic and transportation link connecting the eastern and western parts of the Niger Delta, while also serving as a gateway to the north.
“Anyone travelling from Lagos to the east or from the east to the west must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated,” he said.
He noted that upon completion, the flyover would significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities and safeguard the lives of thousands of Nigerians who ply the route daily.
The governor also highlighted the employment opportunities that the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors and others across the construction value chain.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, Oborevwori said the state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4 billion each to the 25 local government areas for infrastructural development, in addition to other sectoral investments.
He added that Ika South Local Government Area is also benefiting from other major projects, including the N15.4 billion contract awarded for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12 billion 15-kilometre Okpe-Abavo-Ekuku-Agbor Road.
Earlier, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa described the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover as a monumental and impactful project, and commended Governor Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development.
He said the scale and spread of projects across the state under the current administration reflects purposeful and people-oriented governance.
Okowa also commended President Bola Tinubu, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, though initially challenging, are deliberately steering Nigeria toward a more sustainable future.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze described Governor Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding Ika Nation of the many infrastructural projects executed by the administration and sued for continued support for the governor in the years ahead.
Mr Frederich Weiser, who spoke on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, expressed appreciation to the Delta State government for the confidence reposed on it through the award of the project.
The firm pledged to deliver the flyover at the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, and to complete it on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on its experience with similar projects across the state, including the Ughelli flyover.
