Residents of Ughelli in Delta State erupted in celebration on Monday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially commenced work on a massive new flyover valued at a staggering ₦39.3 billion. The landmark project is designed to permanently tackle the severe traffic congestion that has long plagued the strategic Otovwodo Junction.
A Strategic Solution to Chronic Congestion
Governor Oborevwori, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, positioned the Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover as a cornerstone of his administration's infrastructure renewal agenda. He highlighted Ughelli's status as a historic commercial and educational centre, whose rapid growth has overwhelmed the existing road network.
The governor described the junction, located on the vital East-West Road, as infamous for daily gridlock. He revealed that the decision to prioritize the flyover was personal, stemming from his own experiences of the frustration and lost productive hours endured by motorists and commuters.
To manage traffic ahead of the main construction, the state government had already invested nearly ₦6 billion in creating alternative routes. These include Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, and Royal Avenue, which link to the Agbarha-Otor Road.
Project Scope and Timelines Under Scrutiny
The contract for the flyover has been awarded to the renowned construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The governor has set a firm completion deadline of 12 months, stating the timeline is non-negotiable due to the junction's critical importance to regional commerce and mobility.
The project's extensive scope will feature a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts, and comprehensive roadworks to connect the East-West Road to other major arteries. Engr. Peer Lubasch, Managing Director of Julius Berger, assured that the 15-span structure would include connecting roads, specialized drainage, and solar-powered street lighting, all built to global standards.
However, the project's hefty ₦39.3 billion price tag has not gone unnoticed. It has sparked quiet debates among citizens and civil society organizations, who are calling for rigorous transparency, value-for-money audits, and close monitoring to prevent cost overruns and ensure timely delivery—common concerns with major infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Economic Promise and a Call for Patience
Governor Oborevwori framed the project as a testament to prudent resource allocation aimed at stimulating inclusive economic growth. He argued that beyond easing travel and improving safety, the flyover would unlock significant economic potential, create thousands of jobs, and boost the competitiveness of Ughelli and its surroundings.
The governor appealed directly to residents for patience and adherence to traffic regulations during the construction phase. He emphasized that the temporary inconvenience would pave the way for a lasting solution to a problem that has hindered the area's progress for years.
While the ceremony was marked by jubilation, the successful and accountable execution of this flagship project remains the next critical test for the Oborevwori administration as it bets big on transforming Delta State's infrastructure landscape.
