Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on Saturday inspected the failed section of the East-West Road at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area, assuring motorists and residents of a lasting solution to the recurring flooding and road failure in the area.
The governor, who visited the affected section following days of heavy rainfall that left motorists stranded and disrupted movement along the major highway, said the state government had engaged Julius Berger to undertake remedial works and determine a permanent engineering solution.
Key Highlights
- Governor Sheriff Oborevwori inspected the failed East-West Road section at Agbarho in Ughelli North.
- Days of heavy rainfall collapsed the section and stranded motorists.
- The state has engaged Julius Berger for remedial works and a permanent engineering solution.
- Experts will study whether a mini-bridge or a multi-cell culvert is required.
- Oborevwori said Delta is ready to fund the permanent works once the design is settled.
- Julius Berger said both lanes should be temporarily accessible to motorists.
Oborevwori said the immediate intervention became necessary after persistent rainfall caused the affected section to collapse, noting that the volume of water passing through the area required a solution based on proper hydraulic assessment.
“When I saw what happened as a result of the rainfall, which continued for about six days, and the place collapsed, there was nothing else to do but to call Julius Berger, because I know they are very competent in this kind of intervention,” the governor said.
According to him, the government was not interested in merely addressing the immediate damage but wanted an engineering solution capable of preventing a recurrence.
“I have also asked them what the way forward is and what the permanent solution will be. What we are saying is that it is not just about intervention; we need a lasting solution,” he said.
Hydraulic Study to Decide the Permanent Works
The governor disclosed that Julius Berger experts would undertake a study of the location to determine the appropriate structure required to effectively accommodate the volume of water flowing through the area.
“The volume of water from all the areas in Agbarho passes through here before going to the other bridge. So, they have said they are carrying out remedial work and will also send their experts to conduct a study of this place to determine whether we need a mini-bridge or a multi-cell culvert here,” Oborevwori said.
Oborevwori said the state government was prepared to fund the permanent works once the appropriate engineering solution had been established, adding that Julius Berger had provided the necessary technical advice.
“I think they know what to do. They have been able to advise us properly, and we are ready to fund this particular portion of the project,” he said.
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The governor also expressed appreciation to Julius Berger for responding to the situation, describing the East-West Road as a critical route connecting Delta with Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
“I want to sincerely thank Julius Berger for coming to save us on this East-West Road. When people are in difficult times and facing challenges, we are supposed to support them and show empathy,” he said.
Oborevwori said the immediate remedial intervention had restored access to the affected section, expressing optimism that both lanes would be temporarily accessible to motorists.
“They have assured us that this other area is now accessible and, hopefully, by tomorrow, both lanes will be temporarily accessible to motorists,” he said.
A representative of Julius Berger, who spoke during the inspection, explained that the final design would be determined by hydraulic calculations.
“We are already taking action to prepare a design. Depending on the outcome, it will either be a mini-bridge or a multi-cell culvert,” the representative said.
He added that “based on the hydraulic calculations, it will be decided how many culverts are required and the size that needs to be constructed.” Follow The Trumpet on X for more.
