From Paul Osuyi, Asaba and Joseph Obukata, Warri
A cross section of residents in Delta State have applauded the state government for the choice of Julius Berger as the preferred for the contract to construct three flyovers and road expansion in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun at the cost of N78 billion.
The state government had on Tuesday, announced the award of contracts for the the design and construction of flyover bridge at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate; study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout including construction of a 3/4 Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges.
Others are design and construction of flyover bridge at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, according to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogho who briefed journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Edafiogho said the overall objective was to address the gridlock experienced in the oil rich cities.
Those who spoke with our correspondent in Asaba, expressed confidence in the capacity of the foreign contractor to deliver durable project.
Besides, they said with the engagement of Julius Berger, a lot of direct and indirect jobs would be created during construction work.
Saying that the objective of the project which is to eliminate traffic gridlock in the oil rich cities would be achieved, the respondents further expressed optimism that the job would be delivered according to approved scope and specification and in record time.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in Delta State and environmental right activist, Dr. Sunny Ofehe, has called for support for the Oborevwori administration.
Ofehe said the governor was on track for success with his team of adept technocrats and credible individuals to propel his policy thrust as well as the actions he has taken in the last three months.
He noted that his support for the PDP-led government of Oborevwori was based on the general of the state.
“It has nothing to do with party. It has a lot to do with interests. Putting the interests of the state ahead of all our political differences should be paramount,” he said.
He noted that the governor, in his inaugural speech, had called on all Deltans around the world to come and join hands with his government to see that his M.O.R.E agenda can be achieved, saying that he sees himself playing a crucial role in this agenda, regardless of his political affiliation.
“I see myself holding a significant aspect of that agenda that I can bring to the table and that is what I am trying to do irrespective of political party affiliation,” he stated.
Ofehe stressed the need to elevate the state beyond relying on FAAC allocation, expressing his belief in the governor’s potential to bring about change in the state, and urged everyone to contribute their quota to the leadership for the benefit of all.
“It is now left for us to critically look at him, study his body language to see if he is actually having that genuine interest of Delta at heart and he wants to use his office to bring about change. If that is the case, nothing is wrong in anybody coming out to say, okay, I want to add my value to this leadership in a way that people can begin to get the benefits of that value.
“So when I had this conversation with the governor, I saw that he was sincere. He was genuine and practical and since then till now, we’ve had the opportunity to also speak on telephone and he has shown to me that he has the capacity, the interest is there, the willingness is there and he wants to work with anyone with a clear vision that is in line with his own,” he added.
He emphasized the need to explore alternative income sources and tap into global opportunities, given the state’s position as the largest producer of crude oil and highest concentrator of gas in the country. This, he said, aligns with the global shift towards diverse income generation.