Okorodudu Inspects DESOPADEC multiple projects in 5 LGA’s

The Executive Director Projects, on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu Wednesday 12th March, 2025 continued with the inspection of projects executed across Ethiope West, Sapele, Ethiope East, Ughelli North and Udu LGAs, the 5 Local Government Areas in Urhobo mandate area. The exercise commenced with the inspection.

Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu who addressed DESOPADEC Media after the inspection of 30 poles of solar powered street lights installed at Jakpa – Elume in Sapele Local Government Area, said he was impressed with the level of work done because what he saw was in consonance with what was provided for in the Bill of Quantity, adding that the provision of light for the people in the area where the lights were installed, would help to enhance security.

“I’m happy that the Member representing this area, Chief Julius Egbedi is present here with us today. This has added value to this inspection and I must commend him for this project. Light is very critical to life. The provision of this light will help to enhance security in this area. I am quite impressed with what I have seen so far because it’s in consonance with what is in the Bill of Quantity,” he said.

The Member representing Okpe, Sapele and Ethiope West on the Board, Chief Julius Egbedi while speaking to DESOPADEC Media, said the people from the community where overjoyed with the job which they displayed when they welcomed him on his first visit to the area.

The Head of Utility Department, Mr. Festus Ifowodo who addressed DESOPADEC Media on the job said the poles used for the light project were 7.5 meters high and the best solar lights products, Felicity Solar lights, were used with 80 watts bulbs.

The team thereafter, visited a 100 meters road at DESOPADEC Area Office in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area. Dr. Okorodudu after the inspection in his address, said the essence of the exercise is to see how far projects awarded by the Commission were going and if there were challenges that could be taken up and discussed at the Board meeting. He however, commended the contractor who handled the job, saying he did his job according to specification.

At Jesse town in Ethiope West Local Government Area, the team visited the already completed network of roads in Jesse town, Boboroku and Onyeburu (Oyibo, Eremrakore Erhiekevwe Street) in Ethiope West LGA. Oyibo road which is a 200 meters road with one side drain was also inspected.

Also visited in Jesse town was Supa Road where it was noticed that the road needs an 800meter drain and a culvert to take care of the flood challenge the road had. Also inspected where a 300 meters road with a one sided drain of 300 meters at Etakporbunor street, linking Otite and new Ogorode road; A 130m road with two sided drains which also leads to new Ogorode road at Fedison Road and  a 150 meters road with a single carriage way at Capricorn Road all in Sapele Local Government Area.

Speaking with DESOPADEC Media immediately after the inspection of the roads in Sapele and Jesse, the Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Okorodudu commended the efforts of the contractors who handled the jobs in these areas, saying that they have neither asked for payments, nor have they asked for certificates to be raised for all the projects they have done. He however, used the opportunity to call on all contractors to positively promote the image of the Commission and shelve the idea of protesting against the Commission because DESOPADEC is a reputable organization.

“I want to commend the contractors who handled the jobs at Sapele and Jesse. They have not been paid, neither have they asked for certificates to be raised. I want all contractors handling DESOPADEC projects to shelve the idea of protesting against the Commission to bring down the reputation of the Commission. DESOPADEC is a reputable agency and is responsible to payment of contractors.

“Contactors are partners of the Commission and DESOPADEC is all about projects. Without contractors, projects cannot be implemented. The Commission will ensure contractors are paid anytime certificates for jobs are submitted,” he said.

Dr. Okorodudu further thanked the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for giving the Board the privilege to be able to work by following his footsteps and the actualization of the MORE Agenda.

Earlier, the Executive Assistant to the EDP, Engr. Tony Okuwe while briefing the EDP on the Capricorn Road, said even during the dry season, it was difficult to access the road. He stated further that as work commenced on the road, it was discovered that they needed a support for the road foundation hence, they introduced a two-sided drain. He however gave the assurance that at the completion of the road, it would become accessible.

While fielding questions from DESOPADEC Media on why roads visited were not carrying signposts to indicate the roads were executed by the Commission as that would help to boost the image of the Commission, Engr. Okuwe responded that the communities were insisting the Contractors must make provisions for such.

The inspection team thereafter visited Ethiope East Local Government Area where a 264m interlocking pavement that has 130m as phase one already executed at George Ovwarieta road in Orhoakpor in Ethiope East Local Government Area was located.

The next port of call was the constructed 287m single carriage way at Onosode Street in Ekiugbo, Ughelli North LGA where the Executive Director Projects, Dr. Okorodudu commended the efforts of the contractor for working according to the specification provided.

The team further visited Udu Local Government Area where a renovated six classroom block at Olokor Uburhie Community was inspected, with a visibly excited EDP saying contractors like these who make efforts to help build the society need protection by the Commission.

“I am very impressed with the level of work done so far. It was only the first phase of this job that was awarded to the contractor. Out of his benevolence, he completed the entire job without being awarded the 2nd phase. This is very encouraging and he will be paid the entire sum. People that can make sacrifices like this need to be encouraged and protected by the Board. These are people who contribute to societal development and are role models. I will ask for his Company’s name and ensure that the second phase is awarded to him,” he said.

Earlier, the President General PG, of the Community, Mr. Omorere Alfred had expressed his sincere appreciation to DESOPADEC for the renovation of the school, saying the school was in a dilapidated state before the intervention of the Commission.

The projects inspection tour continues as the train moves to Isoko mandate area, Thursday 13th March, 2025.

Present during the Inspection were the Head of the Department of Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Elliott Olokor; Arch. Sunny Ovisi, staff of Department of Housing; Engr. Chief Mathew Onokpasa, PA to the EDP and others.