PROJECTS: Oborevwori Pushes for Quality, Timely Execution
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s consistent project inspections are a deliberate strategy to uphold transparency, ensure adherence to quality standards, and fast-track delivery timelines for infrastructural projects across the state.
Aniagwu made the remarks on Tuesday during a comprehensive inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in Aniocha North, Ika South, and Ika North-East Local Government Areas. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; and senior officials from the Ministry of Works.
The sites visited included the ongoing construction of the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road, Aziken Avenue, DDPA Low-Cost Housing Estate in Boji-Boji Agbor, the 10km Owa-Alero–Otolokpo Road, and Kingdom Road in Umunede.
Aniagwu explained that the governor’s directive for frequent project monitoring was aimed at ensuring that all contractors comply strictly with the project specifications as captured in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME). He stressed that the move is intended to guarantee full value for money and prevent any form of compromise that might short-change the state or its people.
“These inspections are not just routine—they are strategic. His Excellency has insisted on strict oversight to ensure that contractors are held accountable and projects are executed in line with agreed standards,” Aniagwu stated. “Every naira spent must translate into durable infrastructure for our people.”
He further noted that beyond technical evaluations, the inspections also serve a communication purpose—creating public awareness about government projects and encouraging citizen involvement in monitoring execution. He urged Deltans to make use of the state’s whistleblower channels to report any irregularities observed in project execution.
According to him, the tours also help the government gauge whether contractors are keeping to timelines, especially as several projects are being targeted for commissioning during the administration’s second-year anniversary in May.
On the Issele-Azagba–Otulu Road project, Aniagwu acknowledged the quality of work done so far but expressed displeasure over the slow pace of construction. He said the contractor had been directed to ramp up progress, with instructions to raise necessary certificates to enable possible disbursement of funds to address funding-related delays.
“We’re happy with the quality, but not with the speed. This project is critical, and we’ve made it clear that delays won’t be tolerated. The governor’s recent approval of a 40 percent fund release for all ongoing projects is aimed at eliminating excuses and accelerating progress,” Aniagwu said.
At Aziken Avenue, he commended the contractor for the level of execution but also noted a noticeable drop in momentum.
“I am impressed with the standard of work here, but the contractor needs to recover lost time. Initially, we saw a good pace, but now there’s a slowdown, possibly due to the rains. However, the assurance is that it will be completed by May, and we are holding him to that—without compromising quality.”
Aniagwu reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects across Delta State, adding that sustained inspections would remain a central part of the administration’s strategy to ensure results.
