By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government has officially begun construction on the access road leading to the highly anticipated Asaba Waterfront City in the state capital.
During a project inspection on Tuesday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stated that the initiative was originally proposed by the previous administration under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He explained that the state’s responsibility involves constructing a six-lane access road to the new city, while the developers will handle land reclamation and city development.
Governor Oborevwori remarked, “Asaba is increasingly appealing to property developers, especially those relocating from Lagos.
The city today accommodates many residents from the South-East, drawn by Asaba’s comfort and our welcoming nature.”
He further elaborated, “The Asaba Waterfront City is a collaborative project between the state government and private developers under a PPP arrangement.
“Our role is to provide a six-lane access road to facilitate development. Currently, they have completed approximately 20 percent of the work, though there are challenges due to buildings within the right-of-way.
“The government has allocated funds for compensating property owners and also provided resources to the contractor involved in the project.
“They have assured us that the road will be completed by July. I’m pleased with the progress made so far. At this rate, I am confident that we will see significant advancement by the end of this year.”
In discussing the 4.5-kilometer Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiakpu main alignment road, the governor noted its critical importance to the local community, mentioning,
“This road is situated one meter above the 2012 flood level, providing safe refuge for residents during recent floods. The contractor has committed to completing this project in June or July this year.”
He acknowledged the significant investment in this road project, stating, “The costs here exceed what we would spend on a 10-kilometer road in other areas due to the challenging terrain. This underscores our commitment to enhancing economic development in rural areas.”
Regarding the Marine Road off Cable Point Road in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori emphasized its significance for the local economy, as goods flow in from across the River Niger. He reassured residents of the government’s dedication to improving Asaba, saying, “We strive for the best for our citizens, and I believe this year will bring substantial improvements.”
The governor also visited ongoing construction projects on Leo Okonweze and Odozi-Obodo streets near Ezenei Avenue, urging contractors to expedite their efforts to complete these vital works.
