Oborevwori Orders Inspection of Isoko Ring Road Over Alleged Substandard Construction
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered an immediate inspection of the ongoing Isoko Ring Road project following allegations of poor-quality construction and protests by residents of Ofagbe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an unscheduled inspection of the project, assuring residents that the government would take appropriate action after assessing the concerns raised.
According to the commissioner, Governor Oborevwori directed the inspection after receiving several complaints through his personal communication channels, as well as reports of a protest by members of the host community.
Izeze, who was accompanied by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba; the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho; and other senior ministry officials, said the visit was aimed at obtaining firsthand information on the state of the project.
“We are here on the directive of the Governor. He received several reports, including complaints sent directly to him and reports of a protest by members of this community. In line with his leadership style, he directed that we come here physically to see the situation for ourselves and report back to him,” Izeze said.
Despite a heavy downpour, the commissioner inspected the project and revealed that ministry engineers had earlier visited the site and issued a stop-work order to the contractor after identifying deficiencies in the execution of the project.
He said the latest inspection underscored the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to ensuring quality delivery and value for public funds.
“Our duty is simple—to verify the facts on the ground. The facts speak for themselves. Governor Oborevwori has consistently maintained that every kobo spent by the Delta State Government must translate into value for the people.
“We will return to brief him on our findings, and I am confident that the concerns of the people of Ofagbe, the contractor and Deltans generally will receive the necessary attention,” he added.
Residents of Ofagbe Community, including Edo Samuel and Raphael Idoghor, expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work on the road project, alleging that the contractor failed to meet acceptable construction standards.
They claimed that despite repeated complaints and previous inspections by government officials, the road and drainage works remained substandard, while work on the project had been irregular, with the contractor frequently abandoning the site after short periods of activity.
The residents further alleged that efforts to engage the contractor over the quality of work had yielded no positive results.
They appealed to the Delta State Government to revoke the contract and re-award it to a more competent contractor, insisting that they did not want the allegedly substandard project to undermine the developmental achievements and reputation of the Oborevwori administration.
