Residents of Effurun-Warri area of Delta State have commended the Delta State government for the progress made so far on the construction of roads and flyovers in the area.
Community leaders and businessowners who spoke with newsmen at the construction site expressed confidence in the transformation that the project would bring to the locality.
They expressed the belief that the project would ease traffic congestion and unlock economic opportunities for residents.
At the DSC flyover, where construction is in full swing, petty traders, artisans and small businesses have sprung up.
An estate agent, Friday Onome, said the decision to bring Julius Berger to handle the city’s renewal was the best one the state government could have made, noting that the project was already making a visible impact.
“Look at what is happening here. The flyovers are taking shape, and roads that were once in terrible condition are coming back to life,” he said. Onome described Julius Berger’s Life Camp as a testament to the company’s high standards. “If their staff camp is that well-built, imagine what they’re delivering with these roads and bridges,” he added.
At Enerhen Junction, where a new flyover is under construction, quick businesses have also emerged as food vendors, PoS operators, second-hand clothe sellers and commercial motorcycle riders make brisk businesses.
“We can’t wait for the day that Julius Berger will finish this job and open up the roads,” said Mama Ejiroghene, a food vendor. “Then Warri will be booming again. That’s why everyone is happy and cooperating with them. Anyone against this project is against progress,” she said.
The project manager, Thomas Haug, said great progress has been made promising to deliver the project before the stipulated deadline. He acknowledged the strong support from the community saying, “The people see the bigger picture. They know this project will improve their lives, so their cooperation has been excellent. Even in areas where we’ve had to regulate traffic, they understand and are patient.”
On the DSC Flyover, Haug said, all beams have been placed, and in the section along with its access roads, everything is on track for completion before the year’s end. At Enerhen junction, pedestrian walkways have been provided while vehicle access is temporarily restricted. Despite this, people are not complaining. They know this development is for their benefit,” Haug said.
The Delta State Government awarded Julius Berger the N78 billion contract to build three flyovers and expand roads in Warri and Effurun to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility.
Meanwhile, in consonance with the acclaimed Julius Berger efforts at partnering with communities surrounding project sites, the company has carried out CSR activities with the repair and maintenance of community roads as well as doing same at the community primary school.
