There was jubilation in Sapele as the Delta state government announced its commitment to reconstruct the failed Okirighwre-Benin Road and other internal roads in the town in order to ease traffic for motorists within the area.
Other roads billed for construction include Shell Road Extension, Eseimoni Street and environs, Major Bowen Road and Benin Road by GKM.
Inspecting the roads on Monday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was concerned about the harrowing experience of motorists on the failed Okirighwre-Benin Road
The Nigerian Tribune reports that residents who trooped out at Okirighwre junction, which used to be a beehive of commercial activities, expressed confidence that life will return to the area again with the reconstruction of the old road.
However, Aniagwu, who was in the company of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Bright Abeke, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, during the inspection, said:
“His Excellency, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has a bird’s-eye view of most of the areas in the Delta, particularly the roads.
“He got a report that this particular spot is not looking good and that our people are spending some time navigating through this corridor, and he asked that I should proceed to take a look at what is happening here so that we can begin action on cleaning it up.
“We will not just make this road motorable but reconstruct the road. But for now, we are going to give it to a contractor that will be able to work in terms of efficiency and effectiveness so that, at the end of the day, we are able to have a road that functions for our people.
“Don’t forget that there are many other roads that we are constructing in Sapele Local Government Area. It’s part of the urban renewal plan of His Excellency, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to make our cities beautiful and make our people commute effectively.
“So, I am happy that the chairman of our great party is here; that tells you that there is a very good collaboration between our government and the party that produced it.”
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, appreciated Governor Oborevwori for his interest in developing Sapele and other parts of the state, adding that the PDP was proud of his achievements in just one year in office.
“Let me appreciate our governor for taking this action of asking the commissioner to come and see what is happening on this road.
“This road has been terribly bad, and our people passing this place have been suffering. But today, with what is going on now, this place will become motorable in the next few months.
“I am also aware that the governor has good intentions for the people of Sapele, as the reconstruction of this road is going to bring more glory to our party, the PDP.
“If the governor is doing well, our party is doing well, because it is the party that produces the governor, and as the chairman, I am very happy that we have a performing governor who is making our work easier as a party.”
On his part, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government, Hon. Bright Abeke, expressed delight at the prospects of constructing more roads in Sapele.
“First, I want to assure you that the people of Sapele will be very happy with what the governor has come to do here. If you go to Hardock Road, you will see what he is doing there. The governor is working on many roads already in Sapele.
“The people of Sapele have complained to me about this road, and I said we would come and see what temporary measures we could put in place here.
“Today, we are not talking of temporary measures here but something permanent. Indeed, the governor is working, and, by the special grace of God, as the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, in the next three months, Sapele people will testify.”
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