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ABOH-AKARAI, Delta State – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the N29.8 billion Aboh-Akarai Road and Bridge project in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development across riverine, rural, and urban communities.

Speaking at the event, Oborevwori said the landmark project underscored his administration’s resolve to ensure no part of the state was left behind in the delivery of democratic dividends, regardless of terrain or remoteness.

The governor disclosed that the 11-kilometre road, stretching from Aboh through Umuti to Akarai-Obodo and Akarai-Etiti, would feature reinforced concrete pavement due to the swampy nature of the terrain, noting that asphalt would not withstand the environmental conditions. The project includes concrete drains, culverts, and a 140-metre multi-span bridge across the Okiri River.

Oborevwori revealed that the road had been intentionally designed above flood levels recorded during the devastating 2012 flood disaster to ensure year-round accessibility.

“This particular project came to my attention after the Deputy Governor attended a burial ceremony in Akarai. It took him several hours to access the community,” Oborevwori said. “He told me that approving the road would mean touching lives in rural communities, and I immediately assured him the project would be done.”

The governor said the contractor had been mobilised with a 40 percent advance payment of N11.9 billion, expressing confidence the project would be completed within 12 months. He also announced the next groundbreaking would be for the 10-kilometre Ojobo-Torugbene Road in Burutu LGA, valued at N32.8 billion.

Deputy Governor Onyeme thanked Oborevwori for what he described as unprecedented commitment to the Ndokwa Nation, noting that Akarai community was witnessing a tarred road for the first time in its history.

Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the governor had continued to confound critics with bold infrastructural projects running into billions of naira.

Chairman of Ndokwa East LGA, Hon. Vincent Oshilonya, said: “Our people have suffered for many years because of poor access roads. This project will ease transportation, improve commerce, and create opportunities for families, farmers, workers, and business owners.”