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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday inspected ongoing works at the ambitious Asaba Waterfront Project, expressing satisfaction with the pace of road construction but deep concern over the delay in dredging — the critical next phase of the multi-billion-naira development.

The project, designed as one of the state’s flagship urban renewal initiatives, includes a six-lane dual carriageway being handled by two firms — Fokland and North China Construction Limited. Speaking during the inspection, which he undertook alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Oborevwori revealed that the road component of the project is now about 85 percent complete.

“When I assumed office, this project had already been awarded to North China Construction Limited, but there was no mobilisation. That initial delay slowed progress. We had to mobilise them, and I personally visited the site on January 16 this year,” the governor said.

He stressed that the road infrastructure is pivotal to unlocking the economic potential of the waterfront, as it will provide vital access for investors and drive commercial growth in the area.

“We have done our part — awarded the contract, fulfilled every obligation under the MOU, and paid full compensation. We are not owing anyone, contractors or the community,” Oborevwori stated.

Despite the visible progress on the road, the governor expressed displeasure that dredging, the core element of the project’s transformation plan, has yet to commence. He warned that the use of small, locally available dredgers would be insufficient for a project of such magnitude.

“If they insist on using local dredgers, even in 20 years they will not achieve the desired results. They need to deploy an English cutter dredger. That’s my advice,” he cautioned.

Oborevwori also criticised the absence of contractors during the inspection visit, describing it as unacceptable, especially when critical decisions on project timelines and equipment deployment remain pending.

“Asaba is now a bustling city, and investors are eager to come in. Once this place is completed, it will rival Eko Atlantic. We are all looking forward to seeing it become a vibrant hub where people can own beautiful properties and do business,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guiding the project, the governor insisted that the state government has met all its obligations.

“We are on track because we have kept our promise. It’s now up to the investors — North China Construction Limited and Fokland Limited — to keep theirs. You know, I’m a promise keeper,” he declared.

The Asaba Waterfront Project is envisioned as a transformative development that will turn the Delta State capital into a thriving commercial and residential destination, comparable to major urban centres across Nigeria.

With the road network nearing completion, attention now shifts to the contractors to commence the dredging phase and deliver on the full promise of the landmark project.