Construction work on the long-awaited Igbide-Emede Road is set to commence after the Delta State Government formally handed over the project site to the contractor, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve road infrastructure and boost economic activities in Isoko South Local Government Area.
Key Highlights
Delta State Government hands over Igbide-Emede Road project site to contractor.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks.
The project covers approximately 8.5 kilometres with drainage, culverts and asphalt pavement.
The road is expected to improve transportation, agriculture and commerce in Isoko South.
Community leaders pledge support and security for workers and equipment.
The project has a 12-month completion timeline.
The official handover ceremony, held on Monday, signals the beginning of a project that residents say has been overdue for years. The Igbide-Emede Road serves as a vital link between the agrarian communities of Igbide and Emede, providing access to major commercial centres in Oleh and Ozoro.
Community leaders described the development as a major relief after years of appeals to successive administrations to rehabilitate the road.
President-General of the Igbide Community, Ven. Hon. Augustine Aziakpono Ovie, said the poor condition of the road had increased transportation costs, reduced farm productivity and limited access to healthcare and educational facilities.
“Our people are predominantly farmers. When the road is bad, we lose produce and income. This handover gives us hope that the suffering will soon end,” he said.
Community and Youth leaders in Emede also pledged to cooperate fully with the contractor by providing support and ensuring the security of workers and construction equipment throughout the project.
The communities expressed appreciation to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Lands, Chief Goodnews Emamusi Obiodeh, and Clan Otota Chief Akugha for facilitating the commencement of the project.
The Commissioner for Rural Road, Mr. Ruben Izeze, said the Igbide-Emede Road remains one of the priority projects of the Oborevwori administration because of its strategic economic importance.
“The Igbide-Emede Road has been a priority for this administration because of its economic and social importance to Isoko South. With the contractor now in possession of the site, we expect construction activities to commence within the next two weeks,” Izeze said.
According to the state government, the project involves the construction of approximately 8.5 kilometres of road, complete with drainage systems, culverts and asphalt surfacing designed to address the perennial flooding and erosion that have made the route difficult to use, especially during the rainy season.
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Although the contract value was not disclosed, officials confirmed that the project has a 12-month completion period and will be closely monitored by the State Project Monitoring Team to ensure compliance with quality standards and project timelines.
The contractor is expected to begin preliminary works, including bush clearing, earthworks and drainage construction, before full-scale road construction commences.
Residents have also been advised to avoid encroaching on the project corridor and to cooperate with government officials to ensure the timely completion of the road.
When completed, the Igbide-Emede Road is expected to significantly improve the movement of people and agricultural produce, reduce travel time, stimulate economic growth, and attract further investment into the Isoko South area.
