Across Delta State, residents continue to battle deplorable road conditions that have crippled commerce, worsened living standards, and sparked outrage against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. Despite multiple promises and budgetary allocations, the majority of local roads remain in a state of collapse.
The Udu–Ughievwen Road, a vital link connecting several local government areas, has become a nightmare for motorists. Deep potholes, severe erosion, and poor drainage have turned what was once a busy trade route into a daily struggle for commuters. Angry residents have staged protests, accusing the state government of neglect and misplaced priorities.
Renowned activist Zik Gbemre has criticized the governor and political elites for focusing on personal ambitions instead of addressing pressing infrastructural decay. “People are suffering daily, yet our leaders appear unconcerned,” he said, adding that the road crisis reflects a broader failure of governance.
In an attempt to restore public confidence, Governor Oborevwori announced partnerships with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other agencies for major rehabilitation works. His administration reportedly allocated ₦35.7 billion to reconstruct the Warri–Sapele–Benin Highway and another ₦21.3 billion to the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road. Bridges in Ughelli and Warri are also under construction. However, residents argue that these large-scale projects have overshadowed the immediate needs of smaller communities whose local roads remain impassable.
In areas such as Odion in Warri South, locals decry worsening insecurity linked to deteriorating road conditions, saying poor infrastructure isolates neighborhoods and emboldens criminal activities. They demand swift government intervention to restore access and renew public trust.
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Findings show that several strategic roads across the state are on the brink of total collapse despite an increase in federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Community members express frustration that despite rising revenues, many feeder roads have been abandoned, stalling trade and transportation.
Among the most critical roads calling for urgent reconstruction are the Otor-Udu/ECN Road, Ovwian Grammar School Road, Enerhen Police Station Road, Ogbemudia Road in Oleh, Uzere/Asaba-Ase Road, Enhwe/Igbide/Unenurhie Road, and the Orhuwhorhun–Usiephron Junction to Ubogo–Ogbodu corridor. Residents say even the few palliative repairs carried out by council chairmen have failed to bring lasting relief.
Stakeholders are now urging the governor to take full responsibility and award contracts for immediate rehabilitation. Political observers believe that prompt action could help rebuild public confidence and strengthen his political standing ahead of future elections.
The poor state of Delta’s roads has become more than an inconvenience; it is a social and economic crisis that threatens livelihoods across the state. To restore public faith and unlock Delta’s development potential, the government must act decisively, as the people’s patience is running out.
