Excitement as Warri/Effurun roads, flyovers near completion

There is growing excitement in Warri and Effurun as Julius Berger Nigeria PLC intensifies work on the Warri/Effurun Roads and Flyovers project, with the developments nearing completion ahead of the rainy season.

The engineering firm recently reported significant progress on the Delta State Government-funded projects, which include three flyovers and extensive roadworks aimed at improving traffic flow and boosting commercial activity across the metropolis.

In Enerhen, Effurun, construction of the flyover is said to be about 97 per cent complete. Residents and business owners have expressed optimism that the project will transform the area’s economic and social landscape.

A commercial taxi driver in Enerhen, Joseph Eseoghene, said the impact of the project is already being felt.

“Today we are breathing the fresh air of better development. Each day I wake up and see the progress Julius Berger has delivered here, my heart jumps for joy,” he said, pointing at the nearly completed flyover.

A passenger in his vehicle, who gave his name as Atuyota, recalled that when a section of the road under construction was temporarily opened in December, commuters experienced a glimpse of the benefits.

“The smooth road made our journey easier with little or no hindrance. The beauty and quality of the road and flyover will serve us for a very long time,” he said.

At the DSC Flyover, roads and underpass project, commuters also commended the contractor for the pace and quality of work.

Jonathan Ojarikre, an accountant with an oil services firm, said residents have long endured poor road conditions in the area.

“We will celebrate not just the government for initiating this project, but also Julius Berger for delivering what we have long desired. For decades, we coped with bad roads that limited our business activities and social interactions. Now we are already seeing and feeling the progress,” he said, adding that the community is awaiting formal commissioning by the state government.

Providing an update last Friday, the Project Manager, Engr. Thomas Haug, disclosed that the three flyovers under construction are expected to be completed by the end of March. He noted, however, that some associated roadworks would be finalised later. He declined to comment on possible commissioning dates, saying that announcement rests with the Delta State Government.

On the Osubi Road project, Haug said work remains within the contractual period and is progressing steadily.

“If you drive from the airport, you can see the pace of work. We are accelerating activities across all sites because of the approaching rainy season, which is usually heavy in Delta State,” he said.

An architect from the Osubi axis, Samuel Edebiri, described the progress as impressive.
“This Osubi Road has been in a dilapidated state for a long time. I visited last month and saw the level of improvement. The speed and quality of work are commendable,” he said.

Haug also described progress on the Ughelli and Agbor flyover projects as aggressive. He disclosed that construction is ongoing at Otovwodo in Ughelli, while piling works are underway at Uromi Junction in Agbor.

He attributed the steady progress across project sites to cordial relationships with host communities and consistent funding from the Delta State Government.

The company’s Regional Manager for South and East, Engr. Friedrich Wiesa, echoed Haug’s remarks, praising the workforce for maintaining a strong pace.

“We are pleased with the momentum our team has maintained. As partners with the government and people of Delta State, we remain committed to transforming infrastructure challenges into tangible opportunities,” Wiesa said.