Oborevwori Orders Immediate Probe of Alleged Substandard Work on Isoko Ring Road

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has moved swiftly to address concerns over the quality of work on the ongoing Isoko Ring Road project, directing an immediate inspection of the site following complaints from residents of Ofagbe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area.

Acting on the governor's directive, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, led a team of top officials from the Ministry of Works on an unscheduled inspection of the project, assuring residents that the government would take appropriate action based on its findings.

The inspection followed a series of complaints reportedly sent directly to Governor Oborevwori through his personal communication channels, as well as reports of a protest by members of the community over the alleged poor quality of work being carried out by the contractor.

Speaking during the inspection, Izeze said the governor's prompt response reflected his administration's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and ensuring that public funds are judiciously utilised.

"We are here on the directive of the Governor. He received several reports, including complaints sent directly to him and reports of a protest by members of this community. In line with his leadership style, he directed that we come here physically to assess the situation firsthand and report back to him," the commissioner said.

Despite a heavy downpour, Izeze personally inspected the road project alongside the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Akpotowho, and other senior officials of the ministry.

He disclosed that engineers from the ministry had earlier visited the site, identified deficiencies in the execution of the project, and subsequently issued a stop-work order to the contractor pending further review.

According to him, the latest inspection further demonstrated Governor Oborevwori's resolve to ensure that contractors adhere strictly to approved specifications and deliver projects that meet the highest standards.

"Our duty is simple—to verify the facts on the ground, and the facts speak for themselves. Governor Oborevwori has consistently maintained that every kobo spent by the Delta State Government must translate into value for the people.

"We will return to brief him on our findings, and I am confident that the concerns of the people of Ofagbe, the contractor, and Deltans generally will receive the necessary attention," Izeze stated.

Residents of the community, including Edo Samuel and Raphael Idoghor, expressed dissatisfaction with the execution of the project, alleging that the contractor had failed to meet acceptable engineering standards.

They claimed that despite repeated complaints and previous visits by government officials, both the road and drainage works remained substandard. They further alleged that construction activities had been inconsistent, with the contractor frequently abandoning the site after short periods of work.

The residents also said efforts to engage the contractor over their concerns had yielded no meaningful response.

Appealing to the state government to revoke the contract and re-award it to a more competent contractor, the community members insisted they did not want the poorly executed project to undermine the developmental achievements and quality-driven reputation of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration.