Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has ordered a follow-up inspection of the Isoko Ring Road project at Ofagbe Community, Isoko North, after residents raised concerns over the quality of construction.
Izeze said the visit was carried out on the direct instruction of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who acted after receiving multiple complaints through personal channels and reports of a community protest. The commissioner led the unscheduled site inspection alongside Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies); Engr. Solomon Aghagba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works; Engr. Solomon Akpotowho, Director of Highways; and other senior ministry officials.
“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 heavy rain, the commissioner inspected the works and confirmed that ministry engineers had earlier issued a stop-work order after identifying deficiencies.
He stressed the administration’s commitment to value-for-money and quality delivery on public projects.
“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,” Izeze added.
Local residents, including Edo Samuel and Raphael Idoghor, told reporters they remained dissatisfied with the road and drainage works, describing them as substandard. They said the contractor’s work has been irregular, with frequent abandonment after short periods of activity, and that attempts to engage the contractor yielded no satisfactory response.
The residents urged the state government to consider revoking the contract and awarding it to a more competent firm to protect the developmental gains and reputation of the Oborevwori administration.
