By Newsmata
Urban renewal plans that would enhance the status of Asaba as a befitting capital territory of Delta State, as well as restore the old glory of Warri as the oil city and commercial nerve centre of the state have been approved by the state executive council (SEC).
The Council approved major infrastructure development projects that would give the two cities a facelift.
The approvals were part of the decisions reached at the maiden 2025 SEC meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Ovorevwori.
Briefing journalists at the end the meeting, the Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Patrick Ukah, expressed excitement at the recent approvals for road infrastructure projects in the territory.
He described the development as a significant step towards enhancing urban renewal, improving connectivity and boosting economic growth.
Ukah emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming the capital territory through strategic infrastructure upgrades, assuring residents that the approved projects would bring lasting benefits to the capital territory.
According to Ukah, “I must tell you that the capital territory in this administration has received a lot of attention, especially in the area of road infrastructure.
“I am happy to report that the Umejei Road in Ibusa, is being given a complete facelift, and the Okpanam Township Road, from the City Gate to the church and extending into Amaichai, down to the Post Office, has also been approved for reconstruction.
“We are also making significant progress across BONSAC. A 2.6-kilometre road from the Road Safety office is being constructed into BONSAC, along with a network of roads that will connect to Achalla Ibusa Road.”
Ukah explained that some projects were delayed due to upward reviews, but disclosed that approximately eight of them had now been approved, with contractors already mobilised to the respective sites.
“Before now, some of our projects were stalled due to upward reviews. However, in this administration, about eight of them have now been approved, and the contractors are returning to the sites.
“Four of these are major projects that many of us were concerned about due to delays. For instance, the one crossing Ogbeogonogo Market has been approved, and Odilison has also received approval. Once the official release is issued, you will see the full details of these roads.
“Most importantly, in line with the governor’s MORE agenda, the transformation of the capital city has officially begun. The entire capital territory is set to receive a facelift, and the development, under the MORE agenda, is being accelerated,” he added.
On his part, the Director-General, Warri, Uvwie, and Environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere said Governor Oborevwori had directed that all major roads in Warri and environs should be given a face-lift
“I want to sincerely inform Deltans that Warri truly will be great again as promised by the governor who has given the go-ahead for us to reconstruct bad roads, to maintain bad roads and reconstruct roads linking major places in Warri
“All the roads we are doing are not for political patronage. The Governor has directed that we identify all bad roads in Warri and make sure Warri wears a new look.
“Outside that today, Exco graciously approved the additional works for the stormwater project taking place in Warri.
“Knowing the nature of Warri that it’s always flooded whenever it rains, and anytime from now the rains will be here again, the Warri storm water project was awarded sometime in April 2024 and has now been reviewed upward to accommodate additional works and also considering the rising cost of building and construction materials.
“We had to look into a lot of things for the job not to stop and, as I said today, the governor has graciously approved the onward construction of the project and equally increased the scope of work.
“Rome was not built in a day but I want to tell us that the job has been increased from what it used to be, to cover many other areas in Warri and environs.
“It’s a wonderful one; I want to say, on behalf of all our Warri people, that we owe nothing but prayers for our governor.”