WUEDA DG Hands Over Contract for Warri Road Resurfacing, Promises Action on Flood Control

WARRI/Nigeria: The Director-General of the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Prince Godwin Ejinyere, has formally handed over the contract documents for the resurfacing of Princess Abaje/Dotie Street in Warri to A & J Construction Company. The handover took place on Thursday after Ejinyere inspected the street in Ugbuwangue, urging the contractor to begin work immediately.

During the inspection, Ejinyere stressed the importance of constructing proper drainage systems to prevent water damage once the road is completed. He tasked the construction company to ensure quality delivery of the project.

In response, the Managing Director of A & J Construction, Engr. Andy Uwejewene, assured that the project would be completed on time and according to the agreed specifications.

Olawe Justice Izuagie, Chairman of the Community Task Force, thanked WUEDA and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for awarding the contract, pledging that the community would fully cooperate with the contractor to ensure a smooth and speedy project execution.

Earlier, Ejinyere highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transforming Warri, Uvwie, and surrounding areas into a “mega city with a difference.” Speaking to journalists in his Effurun office, Ejinyere discussed the Agency’s preparedness to handle flood-related challenges anticipated in the coming months, as warned by local and national weather agencies.

Marking his first year as WUEDA’s Director-General, Ejinyere outlined the Agency’s proactive steps in reducing flooding, including desilting blocked drains, as directed by Governor Oborevwori. He also announced that the 3rd phase of the Warri/Uvwie flood control project had been awarded to CCECC, with the contractor already mobilized to the site for a project slated for completion in 24 months.

He further noted that the 1st phase of the stormwater project, completed by Levant Construction, and the 2nd phase, 95% completed by CCECC, were significant steps in addressing the area’s perennial flooding problems. Ejinyere emphasized that while compensation was being paid to property owners along the drainage channels, those with illegal structures would no longer be compensated to deter further encroachments.

Ejinyere also urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage systems and to keep their environment clean, noting that Governor Oborevwori remains committed to solving the region’s flood issues. He described the media as essential partners in progress, urging journalists, especially those from government media outlets, to educate the public on the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

He highlighted the Agency’s ongoing work in enforcing environmental laws through its Environment Department and Task Force, which are collaborating with a Mobile Court to ensure compliance. Prince Ejinyere also stressed the importance of local councils in WUEDA’s efforts, noting that collaboration with council chairmen was yielding positive results.

As WUEDA expands its operations, Ejinyere assured that communities like Udu and Okpe, along with others under the Agency’s jurisdiction, would also benefit from development efforts. He urged residents to be patient, stating, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”