Business owners along the Osubi-Ugolo axis in Delta State are crying out for help as the ongoing construction of the underground drainage project has left them in dire economic straits.
Spanning over a kilometer from Blue Tower School Junction to Lux Mirage Hotel Junction, the project has disrupted access to commercial establishments, causing significant losses for those operating supermarkets, workshops, and other businesses.
The affected entrepreneurs have appealed to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene by directing the contractor to create temporary walkways that would allow customers to access their premises. Without such measures, they fear their businesses may not survive the disruption.
Economic Hardship for Business Owners
The construction project, while essential for addressing the area’s flooding issues, has paralyzed commercial activities along the affected stretch. Deeply excavated pits have cut off customer access, leaving business owners grappling with plummeting revenues.
One distressed business owner remarked:
“We support this project and understand its importance for the community. However, the lack of access to our shops has left us stranded. If this continues, many of us may be forced to close down permanently.”
The economic toll is evident, with businesses struggling to meet financial obligations and employees facing the threat of unemployment. The absence of temporary pathways has compounded the challenges, further isolating business owners from their customer base.
Safety Concerns at the Project Site
Beyond the economic challenges, the lack of safety measures at the construction site is alarming. Open pits and poorly managed access points pose significant risks to pedestrians, motorists, and residents.
A concerned resident noted:
“Leaving a construction site in this condition without safe passage for pedestrians or business access is dangerous. This situation calls for immediate action to prevent accidents and protect lives.”
Stakeholders have pointed out that creating temporary walkways is standard in modern construction projects to minimize disruptions while maintaining safety.
Call for Swift Action
The business owners are urging the state government to expedite the project’s completion and adopt measures to mitigate its impact. While they acknowledge the long-term benefits of the drainage system in combating perennial flooding, they stress the need for a balanced approach that protects livelihoods and ensures public safety.
Appeal to Governor Oborevwori
The affected community has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to:
1. Direct the contractor to urgently create temporary walkways for safe access to businesses.
2. Ensure modern construction practices are employed to minimize disruptions.
3. Expedite the completion of the drainage project to alleviate economic and social hardships.
As the rainy season approaches, the timely completion of the project will bring much-needed relief to the area. However, the business owners argue that this progress should not come at the cost of their livelihoods or public safety.
Conclusion
The Osubi-Ugolo underground drainage project underscores the Delta State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development under the MORE AGENDA. However, the success of such initiatives lies in adopting an inclusive approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.
Governor Oborevwori’s swift intervention would not only ease the struggles of affected businesses but also demonstrate a commitment to balancing development with economic stability and safety. Business owners hope their appeal will prompt immediate action to restore normalcy and economic activity in the area.
