The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commenced an emergency reconstruction of the collapsed Irrua-Ewu-Agbede section of Benin – Auchi – Abuja expressway in Edo State.
The Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who inspected the road with the Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of work on the road.
He said that NDDC took up the challenge of reconstructing the road, which had become almost impassable for motorists over a long period because it is a vital artery in the Niger Delta.
He said, “Parts of this road were so deep that trailers sank. But so much progress has been made in this project, especially in sand-filling, stone-base, earthwork and asphalting.
“We have successfully intervened in the Ewu-Agbede section of the road, which is now motorable. The remaining 1.7-kilometre Irrua section of the road is ongoing, and 300 metres of asphalting work has already been completed. The progress is impressive.”
Ogbuku further said, “The benefit of this project cannot be overemphasized because it is a link road to almost every part from the north to the south, where trucks and heavy vehicles transport agricultural and economic items to the south. If such a road is cut off, it will affect perishable food items and increase foodstuff prices.
“That is one of the reasons Mr. President saw the need to draw our attention that we have to intervene”
The NDDC MD explained that when completed, the Irrua-Aviele project would link up with the Benin-Irrua road project being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Similarly, the NDDC has intervened in the repair of the damaged sections of Owerri – Port Harcourt expressway, particularly the Umuapu and Umuagwo sections in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who inspected work on the road gave an assurance that the repair works would be completed before the rainy season sets in.
Ogbuku said, “We are restoring the dilapidated sections of regional roads as part of our efforts to give meaning to President Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As an interventionist agency, we will continue to complement the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments by taking measures to ease the stress commuters face daily,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the quality of work, the NDDC MD commended the contractors and urged them to ensure speedy completion of the project.
“We expect steady progress as road users and the affected communities have been supportive and accommodating,” he said.
The lead engineer of the construction firm, Mr. Mohammed Ibrar, assured that the firm would not compromise on quality but said the work entailed a lot of excavation and refilling with sharp sand.
A commercial bus driver plying the route, Mr. Mark Ibe, thanked the NDDC for intervening and responding to the cries of transporters and commuters who had endured the pains of the damaged road.
