The much-awaited reconstruction of the Orogodo bridge has started in earnest. Passers-by including hawkers, motorists, market women and the ever ubiquitous commercial motorcycle riders, Okada men could not help but stand by for a minute or two to see the progress of work that is going on, on the bridge. Different kinds of earth moving equipment including caterpillars, loaders, forklifts and other heavy duty vehicles could be seen at work around the bridge.
Hi-Tech construction company which commenced work on the bridge about three weeks ago was awarded the contract by the Delta State government alongside the dualization of Old Lagos/Asaba Road, which also is beginning to witness some reconstruction work being carried out on it by the same construction company, as the Emuhu junction side of the road has been bulldozed, and the work is extending towards Orogodo town. From all indications, and from comments made by observers concerning the progress of work going on at the bridge site, it is expected that Hi-Tech, unlike Rotec Engineering company that was awarded the contract in the past, will deliver a better job and faster too.
It could be recalled that on Monday, October 5, 2009 the Managing Director of the company, Mr. J.J. Gougassian, with his team had a meeting at the palace of the Dein of Agbor kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Keagborekuzi 1, and at the palace of Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II JP, Obi of Owa at Owa-Oyibu in which the Special Project Director in charge of the dualization of Old Lagos/Asaba Road, Hon. (Mrs.) Cordelia Onyia was also in attendance. It could be recalled also, as it was reported in Ika Weekly newspaper of Saturday, October 17, 2009 edition, that during the meeting at the two palaces, Mr. J.J. Gougassian told the palace chiefs and the Special Project Director that the project was of great importance to the people of Ika land, and that the company will deliver the job according to specification and time frame. Mr. Gougassian, who during the meeting promised to source local labour in the course of executing the project, also said that the support of Ika people will be highly needed to make the project a success. He stated that compensations will be made at the appropriate time, to those whose structures or buildings will be affected in the course of the construction work.
During the meeting at the two palaces, the Special Project Director on the construction of Old Lagos/Asaba Road, Hon. (Mrs.) Cordilia Onyia had said that it was the determination of the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, to complete all major projects during his time, and that the Old Lagos/Asaba road is one of such projects. She advised the contractor to execute the job so well that it will impress the Ika people.
The dualization of old Lagos/Asaba road has become so paramount in the affairs of the Ika people so much as to elicit the concern of traditional rulers in the area. H.R.M. Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor kingdom, has assured the construction company of the people’s support in carrying out their work hitch-free. He has also promised to support the company in whatever way he could, to ensure a prompt and quality job delivery. Also, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II (JP) OON, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, has voiced his unflinching support towards the completion of the road, and has promised HI-Tech, the construction, company that the people of Owa and the Ika people in general will assist in whatever way they can, towards completing a proper and commendable project.
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