Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is fulfilling his promise of equitable development with the ongoing construction of the long-abandoned Opete Road in Udu Local Government Area.
Speaking during an inspection of the project on Saturday, Izeze described the 4.5-km Opete Road as a “signature project” of the Oborevwori administration, emphasizing that it reflects the state government’s resolve to improve infrastructure across all parts of the state.
“This is one project that has lingered for as long as the state has existed, but nobody had the courage to do what Governor Oborevwori is doing here right now,” Izeze said.
He noted that the total length of the road under construction is about 4.5 km, with 2.3 km already receiving the binder course of asphalt.
“Where we are standing is about 2.4 km and if you observe the depth of excavation, it is almost a meter to the drains. The quality of work is commendable and progressing according to the approved timeline.”
Izeze lauded the governor for undertaking such a capital-intensive project, revealing that the road is costing the state government approximately N7 billion due to the difficult terrain.
He acknowledged the hardship faced by residents of Opete community over the years and praised Gov. Oborevwori for “taking the bull by the horns.”
“This is a very important legacy project. The people of Udu are full of praises for the governor. His Excellency has not neglected Udu. In fact, this is another evidence that he is indeed working,” he stated.
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While encouraging residents to continue advocating for more developmental projects, the commissioner cautioned against narratives that suggest the area is being overlooked.
“The people of Udu have a right to demand more, like Oliver Twist, but they must not give the impression that nothing is happening. Udu is receiving adequate attention even though more is needed,” he said.
Also speaking, Director Roadwell Construction, the contractor handling the project, Milad Boutros Chaghoury, gave assurances that the entire stretch of the road including digging, filling, stone base, and binder course is expected to be completed by the end of July or August.
“We are planning to finish digging and filling by the end of this month, and lay the stone base and binder course.
“Hopefully, by the first week of August, the entire stretch will be ready by the end of August or September,” the contractor stated.
Residents of the area have expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, commending Gov. Oborevwori for delivering a project many had thought impossible.
The Opete Road project, once completed, is expected to significantly ease transportation challenges and boost economic activity in Udu and adjoining communities.
