Oborevwori awards N79b Warri contract to Berger

Speaking shortly after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday in Asaba, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Fred Edafiogho, said the approval of the contracts was aimed at solving the gridlock cities.

He said, “The contracts included the design and construction of flyover bridge at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate; study, design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout including the construction of a 3/4 Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun Flyover Bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges.

“Others are the design and construction of a flyover bridge at PTI junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.

“The side drains will be provided along the stretch to convey stormwater to the swamp that runs beside the road and pipeline in addition to providing free flow of traffic for a distance of 4.359km with cloverleaf interchanges and U-turns allowing for unimpeded flow.

“The four projects have a duration of 27 months with a probable completion date of December 2025”

Edafiogho further said that the project road expansion works on the DSC/NPA Expressway will provide two lanes of restricted carriageway at the centre for through traffic and another two lanes of service road.

On his part, the Commissioner for Works, (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Reuben Izeze, said Governor Oborevwori’s approval of the projects was in fulfilment of his promise to give Warri/Uvwie a facelift.

He said the justification for choosing Julius Berger was due to their experience and competitive pricing the quality of works and timely delivery of projects.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, explained that the contract was worth N79 billion while the state government would make a 25 per cent advance payment of N19.5 billion with the balance paid through an ISPO for 30 months.

In addition, the Commissioner for Works in charge of Rural and Riverine Roads, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the state Executive Council had directed the Ministries of Works (Highways and Rural Roads) to carry out remedial works on federal roads.