The Delta State Government has approved the award of contracts worth N78 billion to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited for the construction of three flyover bridges and road expansion in the Warri/Effurun megalopolis.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho, made the disclosure at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday at the Government house in Asaba.
Edafiogho stated that the approval of the contracts were aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced in the twin cities.
“The contracts included the design and construction of flyover bridge at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate; study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout including the construction of a 3/4 Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges.
“Others are the design and construction of a flyover bridge at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
“The side drains will be provided along the stretch to convey stormwater to the swamp that runs beside the road and pipeline in addition to providing free flow of traffic for a distance of 4.359km with cloverleaf interchanges and U-turns allowing for unimpeded flow.
“The four projects have a duration of 27 months with a probable completion date of December 2025”
Edafiogho said that the project road expansion works on the DSC/NPA Expressway will provide two lanes of restricted carriageway at the centre for through traffic and another two lanes of service road.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, said that the Governor’s approval of the projects was in fulfilment of his promise to give Warri/Uvwie a facelift.
Izeze also said that the reason for choosing Julius Berger was due to their experience and competitive pricing in relation to the quality of works and timely delivery of projects.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, explained that the contract was worth N78 billion while the state government would make a 25 per cent advance payment of N19.5 billion with the balance paid through an ISPO for 30 months.
However, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the state Executive Council had ordered the Ministries of Works (Highways and Rural Roads) to carry out remedial works on federal roads.
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