Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has assured of early completion of Koka flyover and interchange in Asaba, the state capital.
The governor, who gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the project on Tuesday, said that it would be completed before the end of this year.
The state government had, in 2021, commenced the construction of the flyover on Benin-Onitsha expressway to ease traffic around the Koka junction corridor.
Okowa said that he was committed to inaugurating the project this year, adding that he would work with the contractors to ensure its early completion.
“The contractors started work here a few weeks ago and with the briefing we have received, lots of work have already been done.
“One good thing about the contractor, CCECC, is that they try to work ahead of time, as we can see the drilling work going on and they are also casting the beams.
“We are told that they have casted 30 out of the 96 beams that they require and they have already drilled 16 of the proposed piles, meaning that work is progressing.
“They have given us a January 2023 delivery date, but I have also told them that I’m not comfortable with the date, because I will like to inaugurate the project during my tenure.
“By January 2023, there will be lots of campaign and we may not have time to talk about inauguration of projects. So, we are trying to work out a process that will enable them work day and night to fast track the project.
“I believe that with the quality and capacity of the contractors, they can definitely finish the interchange in the course of this year, so that it does not spill over to next year,” he said.
The governor added that the road dualisation coming from Ogwashi-Uku to Ibusa and Asaba would be completed in the next few months, thus putting pressure on the interchange, hence the need to ensure its early completion to avoid chaotic situations.
He thanked the contractors for the job done so far, while hoping that they would make up for the time lost during the yuletide.
Okowa said that his administration would stay on course to ensure that the project was inaugurated within the year.
“All our projects, including this one, are very dear to me and we will continue to inspect more projects.
“One good thing about inspection of projects is that it gives you a first-hand knowledge of what is being done and allows for more interactions with those concerned, while they give you timelines and their expectations.
“So, indirectly I’m also putting both the contractor and the ministry on pressure to finish on time, but with quality work, and that is the first and most important thing to me.
“While I play politics, I will not forget that the people of Delta actually voted me to serve them.
“So, until the very last day of May 28, 2023, I will focus on that aspect of service to the people. I will not allow politics to distract me,” he said.