Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday expressed concern over delays in dredging activities at the ongoing Asaba Waterfront Project, even as he commended progress on the access road component.
The project, one of the state’s flagship urban renewal initiatives, involves the construction of a six-lane dual carriageway handled by Fokland Limited and North China Construction Company.
Speaking during an inspection of the site, alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the road work was about 85 percent completed.
“When I came in, this project had already been awarded to North China Construction Limited, but there was no mobilization. That delay affected progress. We had to mobilize them, and I personally came for inspection on January 16 this year,” he said.
The governor noted that the road infrastructure is key to unlocking the economic potential of the waterfront, stressing that government had met all its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
“We are not owing anyone, contractors or the community. We have done our part and fulfilled our obligations,” he added.
Oborevwori, however, decried the delay in dredging—the core of the waterfront project—warning that reliance on small-scale local dredgers would not meet the scope of work.
“If they want to use local dredgers, even in 20 years they cannot achieve it. They need to bring in an English cutter dredger. That’s my advice,” he stated.
The governor also faulted the absence of contractors during the visit, stressing that critical decisions on timelines and equipment deployment remained unresolved.
“Asaba is now a busy city and people are ready to invest. Once this place is completed, it will look like Eko Atlantic. We are all eager to see it become a hub where people can own beautiful properties and do business,” he said.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the MOU, Oborevwori maintained that government has kept its promise.
“It’s now up to the investors—North China Construction Limited and Fokland Limited—to keep theirs. You know, I’m a promise keeper,” he declared.
The Asaba Waterfront Project is designed to transform the state capital into a modern commercial and residential hub, comparable to developments in major Nigerian cities. With road construction nearing completion, focus now shifts to the dredging phase, considered vital to the project’s full realization.
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