Delta State Government has approved the award of contracts worth 79 billion naira to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited for the construction of three flyovers and road expansion in the Warri/Effurun megalopolis.
This was part of decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House Asaba.
Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engineer Fred Edagiogho said the approval of the contracts were aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced in the twin cities.
He said the contracts included the design and construction of flyover Bridge at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate; study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout including construction of a three quarter Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges.
Others are design and construction of flyover Bridge at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani (East-West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
He said the four projects have a duration of 27 months with probable completion date at December 2025.
Commissioner for Works in charge of Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze said Governor Oborevwori’s approval of the projects was in fulfillment of his promise to grant Warri/Uvwie a face lift.
He said the justification for choosing Julius Berger was due to their experience and competitive pricing in relation to the quality of works and timely delivery of projects.
For his part,the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije said the contract was worth 79 billion naira while the state government would make 25 percent advance payment of 20 billion naira with the balance paid through an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order ISPO for 30 months.
The Commissioner for Works in charge of Rural and Riverine Roads, Mr. Charles Aniagwu said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was deeply worried about the deplorable nature of federal roads across the state and has directed the Ministries of Works, Highways and Rural Roads to carry out remedial works on federal roads particularly the Asaba-Benin Expressway and the Agbor-Eku Road with a view to making them more motorable for road users in the state.
The Exco meeting is the second since the state Executive Council was constituted
