Bad Roads: Governor Okowa Has Failed Abraka People —Group

By Daniel Dafe

The leadership and members of Coalition for Good Governance, Delta State, has said that they are seriously perturbed with the level and underdevelopment of road networks in Abraka, adding that politics should not be a determinant factor that influences who gets what in the state.

The group in a statement signed by the coordinator, Jefferson Oruoghorie,
added: “Good Governance in Abraka has failed. The governor and his government have failed Abraka people. The Government is not “Smart” without provisions of roads networks in Abraka. The group is seriously concern about the welfare of Abraka residents.

“It is very shameful of Delta State Government to abandon Abraka town because of politics of calumny,” saying that Abraka is a university town that “is full of dilapidated and unkempt road infrastructure.

“Government should as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency on Abraka link roads. Party is supreme, but the people are more supreme in all areas. Many roads need to be tarred, examples like Obadudu road, Okpogoro road, College road,Okagbare street, road to link the powerline etc.”

According to the statement, “the Governor should understand that politics has no permanent enemy or friend. For how long will government presence not be felt in Abraka town?

Adding: “All the link roads are death traps, except the once Honourable Evance Ivwurie was able to influence. Good, I don’t want to believe it was because of second term bid for Governor. If the Smart Agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration is not extended to Abraka people, then he has failed the people who voted massively for him. The Governor should see Delta as one irrespective of political party affiliation.”

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Furthermore, the group said the just rehabilitated road along new Sapele Agbor road that has not even stayed up to a year already has so many bad spots already, saying that “the contractor needs to be called back for poor job execution.”

Continuing, the body said that “ordinarily, the contractor’s retention fees should be with the state government and as such, the government should fall back and call the contractor to site to provide remedial work.”

“Roads make a crucial contribution to economic development and growth and bring important social benefits. They are of vital importance in order to make a nation grow and develop. In addition, providing access to employment, social, health and education services makes a road network crucial in fighting against poverty. Roads open up more areas and stimulate economic and social development. For these reasons, road infrastructure is the most important of all public assets. Therefore, Abraka generally needs roads,” the group said.

They continued: “Link roads are suffering in terms of road neglect. Abraka is like every other town in the state yet they are not taken seriously.”

Furthermore, they appealed to the Delta State Governor to surprise the people of Abraka with road infrastructures, build the network of roads in the community.

“A community where 70 percent are students deserves more. You are governor to all, not PDP. Party affiliation should be swept under the carpet. Let the Governor show remorse on the state of roads in Abraka,” the good governance group opined.

They also said their advocacy will continue rapidly until they get substantial and adequate results.