Osubi-Ugolo Underground Drainage Project: Business Owners Cry Out To Oborevwori For Help . Say Governor Should Direct Contractor To Create Walkway Access So They Don’t Go Out Of Business

 






WARRI – The ongoing construction of the Osubi-Ugolo underground drainage project, spanning over one kilometer has inadvertently plunged numerous business owners into economic despair from Blue Tower School Junction to Lux Mirage Hotel Junction.

These individuals, who operate supermarkets, welding workshops, furniture workshops, and other commercial establishments along the affected stretch, have been left without access to their premises due to the deeply excavated pits at the project site.

In a heartfelt appeal, the business owners have sent an SOS to the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, urging him to direct the contractor handling the Osubi Ugolo Underground Drainage project to urgently create walkways in order not to kill. their businesses which are already suffocating. This intervention, they argued, would allow customers to access their shops and mitigate the devastating economic crunch they are facing as a result of the disruption.

Economic Impact on Local Businesses
During a visit to the project site, our correspondent observed that commercial activities in the area have come to a complete halt. Business owners lamented that the ongoing construction, while necessary and welcomed, has effectively severed them from their customer base.

One distraught business owner noted:
“We understand the importance of the drainage project for the long-term benefit of the community, but the current situation has left us helpless. Without access for our customers, we have no way to sustain our livelihoods. Many of us are already struggling to meet basic financial obligations due to the ongoing economic challenges in the country.”

The absence of walkways to patronize us the business owners cut off has left potential customers unable to reach the businesses, resulting in plummeting revenues. Business owners fear that if the situation is not addressed swiftly, many may face permanent closure, further compounding the unemployment and economic hardship in the area.

Safety Concerns at the Construction Site
Beyond the economic implications, the lack of proper safety measures at the construction site has raised serious concerns. The open, deep pits pose a significant risk to pedestrians, motorists, and residents navigating the area.

A concerned resident remarked:
“Leaving a site like this open without safe pathways for pedestrians and businesses is a recipe for disaster. Accidents could happen at any time, and it is critical for the contractor to adopt modern construction practices that prioritize safety and accessibility.”

Stakeholders argued that creating temporary walkways is a standard procedure in modern construction projects, ensuring minimal disruption to the local economy and maintaining public safety.

Call to Expedite the Project
The affected affected business owners also stressed the urgent need to expedite the drainage project. While they acknowledge the importance of the project in addressing perennial flooding and improving the area’s infrastructure, they emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers the welfare of all stakeholders.

Recommendations and Appeal to Governor Oborevwori
The business owners and residents are appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to:

Direct the contractor to create temporary walkways along the affected stretch to restore access to businesses and ensure the safety of residents and customers.
Ensure the adoption of modern construction practices that minimize disruptions to commercial activities during major infrastructure projects.
Facilitate faster completion of the project to reduce the economic and social impacts on the community.
As the rainy season approaches, the completion of the drainage project will undoubtedly bring relief to residents and businesses by addressing the area’s long-standing flooding issues. However, achieving this goal should not come at the expense of the economic sustainability of the affected businesses or the safety of residents.

Conclusion
The Osubi-Ugolo underground drainage project is a testament to the Delta State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development as encapsulated in the MORE AGENDA.However, the success of such initiatives depends on an inclusive approach that considers the needs of all stakeholders.

Governor Oborevwori’s timely intervention to address the plight of the affected business owners would not only alleviate their immediate challenges but also reinforce the government’s commitment to balancing development with economic stability and public safety.

It is the hope of the affected businesses that their cries for help will not go unheard, and that swift action will be taken to restore normalcy and economic activity in the area.

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