The Delta State Government on Wednesday, signed N78 billion contracts for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state.
The contract was awarded to German construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Speaking at the signing of the contract at the Governor’s office, the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains.
The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant.
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing.
Speaking further, Hon. Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs.
He said, “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning, meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement.
“It is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciation to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works (Highway and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; for the countless energy invested in the process.
“Upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by the commuters.
“As it is often the case with road constructions of this nature, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.
“I assure all Deltans and residents of the state that the M.O.R.E agenda is on course. They should expect more landmark projects across the different senatorial districts in fulfilment of our pledge to make life more meaningful to our people,” Oborevwori stated.