Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on Wednesday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s emphasis on rigorous supervision of projects is central to ensuring quality delivery and full value for public funds.
Aniagwu stated this during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing and completed rural road projects across Aniocha North and Aniocha South Local Government Areas, where he issued firm directives to contractors to correct identified errors and enhance performance.
He said the administration’s strict oversight policy was designed to balance the contractors’ legitimate pursuit of profit with the government’s responsibility to citizens.
Aniagwu explained that regular site checks also enable the ministry to address unforeseen engineering challenges not captured during project design, including additional culvert requirements, compensation matters, or erosion control needs.
The commissioner began the inspection at the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road, where he assessed the asphalt laying and examined the installed flood-control structures.
While commending the contractor, he directed the backfilling of drains and an extension of the discharge channel to ensure effective water flow and prevent erosion.
The team also visited the 1.95km Atuma–Iga internal roads, the 1.2km Justice Chukwudumebi Oseji Way in Idumuje-Unor, and the completed 2.75km Umuoshimi Road in Onicha-Ugbo.
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Aniagwu said the physical assessment of the Onicha-Ugbo project was necessary before finalising payment to the contractor.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, particularly on Justice Oseji Way and the Atuma–Iga projects, reiterating that only quality work would be approved for payment under the current administration.
The Commissioner highlighted that Gov. Oborevwori’s policy of dedicating project funds to each local government has significantly boosted rural infrastructure development.
Responding to enquiries on the nature of some roads that begin and end within the same community, Aniagwu clarified that internal roads are as important as inter-community links.
Addressing the emerging gully along the Issele-Azagba–Otulu corridor, Aniagwu said the ministry had already held technical discussions with engineers and directed immediate remedial action.
Additional measures, he said, would be implemented to reduce water velocity, which is the major cause of erosion.
Aniagwu reaffirmed that all necessary adjustments for drainage improvement and erosion control fall within permissible contingencies and would be executed to guarantee long-term efficiency.
