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Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has restated his administration’s zero-tolerance for shoddy jobs and project delays, as he personally inspected ongoing road projects linking Ugbolu–Okpanam and Phase 2 of the Oko-Anala–Oko-Ogbele–Oko-Odifili axis.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the 12.12-kilometre Ugbolu–Okpanam Road on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 the governor said the inspection was deliberate, stressing that governance goes beyond paperwork and progress reports.

“I did not come here casually. I came to see for myself the level of work,” Oborevwori said, adding that consistent follow-up is as critical as project flag-off and commissioning.

He recalled that the project gained priority attention in July last year following years of mobility challenges faced by residents, with the groundbreaking eventually performed in October. Although the contract duration is 18 months, the governor disclosed that the contractor has committed to completing the road by December this year.

Oborevwori explained that the road design includes expansive concrete drainage systems measuring about 7.7 metres on both sides, an overall width of approximately 11 metres, and an 8-metre carriageway. He noted that the drainage component was non-negotiable due to the area’s long-standing flooding problems.

“Okpanam is on higher ground, so water naturally flows into surrounding communities. Over the years, that has caused serious flooding. This drainage will redirect water safely to the river and change that narrative,” he said.

He added that unlike older, inadequate drain designs in the area, the new system is comprehensive and built to last. “Residents will clearly feel the impact during the rainy season,” the governor assured.

Describing the road as economically and socially strategic, Oborevwori said it would strengthen connectivity between Ugbolu and Okpanam, boost commercial activities and deepen integration between urban and semi-urban communities.

He stressed that his administration is intentional about balanced development, noting that infrastructure projects are being evenly distributed across local government areas.

“We are not concentrating development in city centres alone. Rural communities must also feel the impact of governance,” he said.

At the Phase 2 site of the Oko-Anala–Oko-Ogbele–Oko-Odifili Road, the governor again underscored his insistence on visible progress and strict adherence to timelines. He said Phase One, spanning about 4.7 kilometres, has been completed, while the remaining five-kilometre Phase Two is ongoing.

Oborevwori described the terrain as technically demanding, revealing that massive excavation was required to remove unsuitable clay soil and properly stabilise the base.

“If you don’t get the foundation right, the road will fail,” he said, disclosing that he rejected an initial completion timeline of August 2027 proposed by the contractor.

He assured residents that funding is not an issue, stating that the contractor has been fully mobilised and paid. He directed the firm to accelerate work and deliver the project before the end of the year or early next year.

“If contractors want more jobs from this administration, they must deliver quality work and meet deadlines,” Oborevwori warned.

Reiterating his governance philosophy, the governor declared: “We believe in standards, and we will not compromise on quality.”