Delta State Governor Vows to Sanction Contractors Over Shoddy Jobs

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a stern warning to contractors executing substandard projects in the state, pledging severe sanctions for those found guilty of delivering poor quality work.

The governor made the statement yesterday after inspecting the 6.5-kilometer Achalla-Ibusa Road, a project being executed by the state government.

During the inspection, Governor Oborevwori expressed disappointment over the poor quality of drainage work carried out by the contractor handling the road project.

He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate shoddy jobs and that contractors and site engineers found complicit in approving substandard work would face serious consequences.

“My administration will not tolerate a situation where site engineers connive with contractors to deliver sub-standard projects,” Oborevwori warned. He added that contractors who fail to meet expectations would be blacklisted, and their projects would be reassigned to others willing to deliver quality work.

The Governor’s decision to personally inspect the project stemmed from unsatisfactory feedback from individuals he had previously sent to evaluate the site. He emphasized that his administration would prioritize road inspections in 2025 to ensure the quality of infrastructure across the state.

“This year, we are starting with more inspections. The work on Achalla-Ibusa Road is bad, very bad. I have told the Commissioner and the Director that we cannot accept the drainage. The poor drainage will not affect the stone basing and asphalting of the road; so, the contractor can continue by taking advantage of the dry season,” Oborevwori said.

He assured that the state would not pay for unsatisfactory work, stressing that contractors must uphold high standards to be in his good books. “If you want to please me or be my friend as a contractor, do a good job; if you don’t do a good job, you can’t be my friend,” the Governor remarked.

In his address, Oborevwori outlined that starting from January 2025, he would personally oversee project inspections, not only in Asaba but across all 25 local government areas of the state. He further warned that any contractor who fails to meet deadlines or neglects their site would face contract revocation.

“Our terrain requires us to maximize the dry season for construction. Over the next four months, we aim to complete and commission a significant number of projects. By the time we reach two years in office, we want to celebrate substantial progress across multiple sectors, including roads, health, and education,” the Governor added.

Oborevwori also expressed satisfaction with the recently completed 2-kilometer road leading to the 63 Brigade Barracks of the Nigerian Army in Aboh-Ogwashi. He commended the contractor for the swift execution of the project, which was awarded three months ago. The Governor noted that the completed road would spur further development in the area and assist the Army in constructing additional infrastructure.

Additionally, Governor Oborevwori inspected other ongoing projects, including the gully erosion site along the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, the perimeter fence and road surrounding the Asaba International Airport, and the Kwekagbor Layout, opposite Summit Junction in Asaba.

The Governor reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritize quality in its infrastructural projects and would not tolerate any form of compromise in the delivery of public works.