Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Feeder Roads) and Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s insistence on rigorous on-site supervision remains the cornerstone of the administration’s drive to deliver quality infrastructure and ensure taxpayers get full value for every kobo spent.
Aniagwu stated this on Wednesday while leading a marathon inspection of ongoing and completed rural road projects across Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas, where he handed down on-the-spot directives to contractors to rectify observed lapses and raise the bar on execution.
Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Commissioner explained that the Governor’s strict oversight policy is deliberately designed to strike a balance between contractors’ legitimate profit motives and government’s sacred duty to deliver durable projects to the people.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, insists on constant supervision because he wants a win-win situation: contractors make their profit, and Deltans get world-class roads that will stand the test of time,” Aniagwu said.
He added that regular site visits also help the ministry identify and address unforeseen engineering challenges – such as extra culverts, compensation issues, or erosion threats – which are covered under contingency provisions in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
Accompanied by the Director of Rural Roads, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials, Aniagwu commenced the inspection at the ongoing Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road, where he assessed the quality of asphalt overlay and flood-control structures.
While commending the contractor, he immediately ordered backfilling of drains and extension of the discharge channel to guarantee effective water flow and prevent erosion.
“Supervision allows us to spot enhancements that will make the road serve our people for decades, even if the original design was followed,” he stressed.
The team also inspected the 1.95km Atuma–Iga Internal Roads, the 1.2km Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji Way in Idumuje-Unor, and the newly completed 2.75km Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo.
Aniagwu disclosed that he personally assessed the Onicha-Ugbo project before the release of final payment, reiterating that under Governor Oborevwori, only top-quality jobs will be certified and paid for.
The Commissioner praised the Governor’s policy of ring-fencing funds for each local government, saying it has triggered massive rural infrastructure transformation in areas where “no big men live.”
“These roads are in communities where ordinary farmers, traders and youths reside. This government is for everybody – not just politicians or the elite. That is the meaning of MORE Agenda: opportunities for all Deltans, no community left behind,” he declared.
Defending the construction of intra-community roads, Aniagwu said internal roads are just as vital as inter-community links, especially in towns with multiple quarters that need seamless connectivity.
On the 2026 budget, he revealed that allocations for local government projects will jump from N2.1 billion to approximately N5 billion, in recognition of the visible successes recorded since the dedicated funding policy began.
He assured contractors of prompt payment, disclosing that qualified firms now enjoy up to 40 per cent mobilisation fees and are paid immediately upon certification.
“If the contractor on Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road completes the job in the next four weeks, His Excellency will pay before the end of this budget year,” Aniagwu promised.
On the emerging gully along the same corridor, the Commissioner said engineers have concluded technical evaluations and remedial works will commence immediately, with additional velocity-control measures to halt further erosion.
“We will not allow the gully to escalate. All necessary adjustments fall within permissible BEME contingencies and will be executed to guarantee durability,” he assured.
Aniagwu reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to quality delivery, declaring: “At the end of the day, our goal is to raise the living standards of Deltans, no matter how remote their community is.”
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