Delta State Government Pledges Swift Action on Collapsed Uzere-Asaba-Ase Bridge
UZERE/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by the collapse of the wooden bridge connecting Uzere in Isoko South to Asaba-Ase in Ndokwa East.
This assurance was given on Monday by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, during his inspection of the affected site.
Mr Aniagwu, speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasised the administration’s dedication to improving connectivity through the construction of durable bridges and roads across the state.
“Governor Oborevwori, upon hearing of the collapse of the wooden bridge yesterday, directed me to assess the damage and determine what immediate measures can be put in place before full reconstruction,” Aniagwu said.
He highlighted the importance of the bridge to residents of Isoko South and Ndokwa East, who have relied on it for years to commute between the communities. “Delta is a coastal state, and as such, we are focused on building bridges to connect our people across the rivers and creeks,” he added.
During the inspection, Aniagwu was accompanied by the Commissioner for Lands, Surveys, and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.
The team also toured several ongoing road projects in Isoko North and South, where Aniagwu urged contractors to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
At the Emevor-Orogun road project, Aniagwu praised the contractor, Emo Rock Concept, for their impressive speed and workmanship in phase two of the project, following a successful completion of phase one.
“It was the quality of work in phase one that earned the contractor the continuation of phase two,” he noted.
The Commissioner also handed over the 5.7km Igbide-Olomoro road project to a contractor, marking the beginning of its long-awaited reconstruction. “For years, the people of Olomoro and Igbide have called for the repair of this road, which has deteriorated to the point of being impassable,” Aniagwu explained.
“After careful consideration, we recognised the merit in their request, and the project was awarded.”
Aniagwu assured that the project had been awarded to a competent contractor with the capacity to deliver within the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation. He stressed that while the government was pushing for speedy completion, quality would not be compromised.
“We’ve made it clear that contractors must adhere to the specified standards, and we will continue to monitor progress to ensure that both speed and quality are upheld,” he said.
Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, Commissioner for Lands, thanked Governor Oborevwori for swiftly responding to the longstanding appeals from the people of Igbide and Olomoro.
“This road has been a source of concern for over 20 years, and despite numerous appeals to past administrations, it is only under this government that our cries have been heard. We are grateful for the Governor’s swift action and look forward to the project’s completion,” he said.
The Delta State Government’s proactive steps in addressing critical infrastructure issues highlight its determination to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life for residents across the state.
