The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Expressway, promising to complete the long-awaited project as quickly as possible.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance on Friday at the flag-off ceremony held at Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ogbuku apologised to residents and motorists on behalf of President Bola Tinubu for the hardship caused by the poor condition of the major highway, saying the Federal Government recognised the difficulties faced by communities and commuters.
He said reconstruction work would commence simultaneously from the Sapele and Warri ends of the road, with attention focused on sections in particularly poor condition.
“The bad road in the region did not start today. This has been for a long time. I apologise on behalf of Mr President to the people of this area and commuters for the hardship they have passed through,” Ogbuku said.
He said the intervention followed a directive from the President for the NDDC to take steps towards addressing the condition of the road.
According to him, the commission subsequently engaged the Federal Ministry of Works, conducted an inspection and obtained the design for the reconstruction before commencing the project.
Ogbuku said the road was important not only to Delta State but also to other parts of the country, stressing that its reconstruction would improve movement and benefit businesses and communities along the corridor.
“Mr President wants the people to get what they deserve. That is why we are here. This road also serves other Nigerians and other parts of the country. Constructing the road will benefit all of us,” he said.
Earlier, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Mr Victor Antai, disclosed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited was among the contractors engaged to execute the reconstruction.
Antai appealed to communities along the route and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractors and the commission to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, formally declared the reconstruction work open.
In separate remarks, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, commended the NDDC for intervening in the reconstruction of the road.
