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…Contractor mobilises to site as Delta moves to ease motorists’ hardship

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered an immediate emergency intervention on the failed Mosogar-Oghara section of the Warri-Benin Highway in a move aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by thousands of motorists and commuters using one of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways.

The governor’s directive followed growing public outcry over the deplorable condition of the strategic road, with motorists and commuters taking to both social and conventional media to complain about the worsening state of the highway, which has led to severe traffic gridlock, prolonged travel time and heightened safety concerns.

Announcing the governor’s approval on Wednesday, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the emergency intervention underscored Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges that directly affect the lives and economic activities of the people.

Although the Warri-Benin Highway falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, Izeze said the governor deemed it necessary to intervene because of the immense hardship being experienced by road users and the strategic importance of the highway to commerce and transportation across the South-South region.

According to the commissioner, Governor Oborevwori directed that immediate remedial works be undertaken to restore the free flow of traffic and improve safety on the affected stretch pending a comprehensive reconstruction of the road by the appropriate federal authorities.

He disclosed that Obakpor Engineering Construction Company had already mobilised to the site with construction materials, including stones and sand, marking the commencement of the emergency rehabilitation project.

Izeze expressed optimism that the intervention would substantially reduce the suffering of commuters, ease traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement along the failed section.

He noted that the governor’s action further demonstrated the spirit of collaboration between the Delta State and Federal Governments in delivering infrastructure that enhances the welfare of citizens.

Describing the intervention as a reflection of the shared development vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, the commissioner said the move reaffirmed the commitment of both administrations to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

“It further re-emphasises the mutual inclusivity of the BAT/SHERIFF vision for our people as captured by the Renewed Hope/M.O.R.E. Agenda of these national and sub-national visionaries respectively,” Izeze stated.

The Warri-Benin Highway is a critical economic corridor linking the South-South region with other parts of the country. It is heavily used by commercial transport operators, private motorists and haulage vehicles conveying petroleum products, agricultural produce and other goods.

The Mosogar-Oghara axis has, however, become one of the most notorious sections of the highway due to persistent deterioration, resulting in frequent traffic bottlenecks, vehicle breakdowns and increased transportation costs.

The Delta State Government’s emergency intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of road users while reaffirming its commitment to responsive governance and the welfare of the people.