Two road projects, 6.5 kilometres, were on Thursday inaugurated in Sapele by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The projects were: Akporjevughe Road and environs (four kilometres) and Oghene Road and environs (2.5 kilometres).
Dr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, the acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, said that the projects were in line with the mandates of the commission to bring relief to people of the Niger Delta region.
Audu-Ohwavborua, represented by Mr Steve Ogheneare, the Director, NDDC, Delta office, said that contract for construction of the Akporjevughe Road and environs was awarded on June 30, 2018.
He said that of Oghene Road and environs was awarded on March 30, 2019.
Audu-Ohwavborua said that both roads were executed by an indigenous contractor, Messrs Solid FFLO Asphalt Company Nigeria Ltd.
“Before award of the project, Akporjevughe Road, Doyan Lane, Omoire Road and Afred Jonah School Roads were swampy and prone to perennial flooding and unmotorable throughout the year.
“The road cut across eight major roads and streets with a total length of four kilometres.
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“The Oghene Road, which was also in a bad state, prior to its award, has a cumulative length of 2.5 kilometres.
“With the completion of the projects, the story has changed for residents and commuters as they now ply the roads with ease,” he said.
Audu-Ohwavborua said that the socioeconomic importance of the roads were enormous to residents, Adaeventsnews gathered.
He added that the drains and culverts would also help channelled storms water to nearby rivers, thus addressing flooding, which had been a major challenge in most parts of Ogorode new road area.
“NDDC over the years has executed notable infrastructure development projects across the Niger Delta region as part of its mandates.
“Delta has a fair share of the award with a good number of completed projects and many ongoing.
“Sapele Local Government area of Delta has benefited about 103 projects awarded, while Sapele Town has 63 projects awarded, many of which have been completed,” he said.
The acting managing director, then urged the people to sustain the already existing peace in the Niger Delta to achieve meaningful development in the region.
He commended the Sapele Community for creating a peaceful atmosphere toward ensuring the speedy completion of the roads and other projects executed by the interventionist agency.
Audu-Ohwavborua appealed to the community leaders to ensure that the drains were kept clean always to guarantee the sustainability of the roads.
Also, Mr Efe Afe, a member representing Sapele/Okpe/Uvwie Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, commended the NDDC for executing great projects in his constituency.
Afe, who cut the tape, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Audu-Ohwavborua as the acting Managing Director/CEO of NDDC.
Commenting on behalf of the Akporjevughe Road and its environs, Mr Nathaniel Udonsuk, thanked the NDDC for the project.
Udonsuk called for provision of street lights to curb security challenges in the area.
