The Delta State Government has begun work on the access road to the proposed Asaba Waterfront City, located in the state capital.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori revealed this during an inspection of the project on Tuesday, noting that the initiative was originally conceived by the previous administration under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
According to the governor, the state government is responsible for constructing a six-lane access road to the city, while the developers will handle land reclamation and the development of the city itself.
He said: “Asaba is becoming very attractive to property developers who are coming from Lagos to Asaba because Asaba today is housing most of those people from the South-East.
“They are coming here because they find Asaba very comfortable and they know that we are also hospitable.
“The Asaba waterfront city project is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state government and the developers.
“Our obligation is to reclaim the place to give them an access route, a six-lane access road, to this place. They have done about 20 percent of this job; the challenge they are having is the buildings on the right of way.
“We have released money for compensation to the property owners and we have also released funds to the contractor for the project.
“They have assured us they will complete the road project in July; so, I have come here to look at the work that has been done and I am happy that they are on site.
“If they continue at this speed, I know that before the end of this year, the project will be completed.”
During his visit to the 4.5km Oko-Amakom to Oko-Obiakpu main alignment road, the governor stated, “This road is crucial to the people of Oko. It is built one meter above the 2012 flood level, and during the last flood, residents sought refuge on it.”
“The contractor has assured that the project will be completed in June/July this year.
“What we are spending here on this road is much more than what we would have spent in constructing a 10km road elsewhere because of the terrain.
“It is our strong commitment towards opening up rural areas to enhance the economic development of our rural dwellers.”
While inspecting the Marine Road off Cable Point Road in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori highlighted the road’s significance to the people of Asaba, noting that it facilitates the movement of goods from across the River Niger.
He assured residents that the state government is committed to cleaning up Asaba, emphasizing, “We want the best for the people, and I believe this year will bring significant changes.”
The governor also inspected ongoing construction work on Leo Okonweze and Odozi-Obodo Streets, off Ezenei Avenue in Asaba, urging the contractors to accelerate their efforts to complete the projects.
