Delta begins rehabilitation of failed Asaba-Onitsha portion of Benin-Onitsha Expressway

Delta Government has commenced intervention work on the failed portions of the Asaba-Onitsha end of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
The state Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, and his Information counterpart, Charles Aniagwu, who inspected the project on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.
Tarek Maroun, the Site Contractor, Levant Construction Limited, said that they began work on the 1.5 kilometer portion on September 11 and hoped to complete it in one month, depending on the level of rainfall.
Aguoye said that a similar intervention was also going on at the failed portion at Ubulu-Okiti Junction on the expressway, measuring 300 meters.
He said: “Here at the Asaba Bridge Head, we are doing 150 meters (1.5km), the scope of work here involves the excavation of materials and filling with sharp sand.”
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the deplorable state of the road posed serious nightmare to road users.
The development had forced transport fares up to as much as N1,000 between Asaba and Onitsha, especially during critical hours of the day.
The commissioners’ team also inspected the ongoing intervention at Okuovu on the Benin-Sapele-Warri federal highway.
The Site Engineer of Obakpor J.U Construction, Mr Justin Nwoko, described the work as tedious but promised that it would be delivered in record time.
He said: “This work will be handled professionally and delivered on time. We have been here for one week now, the terrain is marshy and because of the downpour it is giving us some challenge.
“However, we appeal to the people to bear with us. The job could have been done by the Federal Government but the Delta government is intervening to make it easier for road users,’’ Obakpor said.
The commissioner for works also appealed to motorists, who ply the route, to be patient with the contractor.
“We are doing our best with the contractor to ensure that the road is completed and on time.”
On his part, Aniagwu, said that the governor embarked on the rehabilitation in order to end the stress commuters and motorists go through daily on the road.
“The governor has directed that we should continue to visit the site to ensure that the work is completed within two weeks.
“The contractor is doing a good job. From what we can see, he will deliver a quality job that will stand the test of time,’’ Aniagwu said.