The Delta State Government has strongly dismissed claims that cheap materials are being used in the construction of the multi-billion naira flyovers in Effurun and Warri.
These allegations suggest that the rods being used are smaller than specified in the construction plans.
On Monday, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, addressed these concerns during an unexpected inspection of the ongoing flyover construction at PTI Junction in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
He firmly stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to high-quality work and would not tolerate any substandard practices in the execution of projects.
“The reason we are here today is to address a malicious claim that the rods being used for the project are 10 millimetres in diameter, which is simply untrue,” Comrade Izeze declared. “This project has been designed by some of the best engineers in the country and is being supervised by top professionals within the Ministry of Works.”
He emphasized that Governor Oborevwori has a consistent commitment to quality. “The governor is known for his consistent commitment to quality. He supervised the construction of the Osubi Airstrip by Julius Berger over 20 years ago and has visited this site more times than I can count. He has closely followed every process because this project is very dear to his heart; he is dedicated to giving Warri and Uvwie a much-needed facelift.”
To ensure quality, Comrade Izeze explained that the certification process for projects now involves dual oversight. “In his pursuit of quality projects, he has mandated that our certification process will now involve dual oversight: after the Ministry of Works certifies a project, the Special Project unit will also conduct its own certification. This illustrates his deep concern for the quality of his projects. He aims to leave a legacy of durable projects—not roads that will wash away after one or two rainy seasons.”
He also addressed the origin of the misinformation, attributing it to someone who was dissatisfied with the outcome of the last election. “Someone who cannot accept the outcome of the last election has publicly alleged that this project is not being constructed according to specifications, despite not having seen the Bill of Quantities. We attempted to clarify the situation, but he insisted that the rods used are 10mm. As an engineer, I believe in facts: we have measured the rods with a vernier calliper, and they are 16.0mm.”
Supporting these statements, Mr. Thomas Haug, the Project Manager of Julius Berger, confirmed that the rods being used are indeed 16mm and not 10mm as speculated. “We are working according to specifications, and we are confident that the project will stand the test of time,” Mr. Haug stated.
He added that all the rods being used are imported, which contributes to the higher cost compared to locally sourced materials. This further reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring that the flyovers will be durable and meet all safety standards.
