… Decries poor roads, unreliable power, rising costs

By Ifeanyichukwu Simon, Yenagoa

Delta State activist and public affairs analyst, Comrade Cromwell Umebese, has criticised the pace of development in Delta North, citing deteriorating roads, unreliable electricity, poor access to potable water and rising living costs.

He called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address the challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

News Gleaner NG reports that Umebese, in an assessment of the administration’s performance, said residents expected greater improvements in their living conditions, given the state’s oil wealth, federal allocations and internally generated revenue.

He argued that government performance should be measured not only by projects announced or inaugurated but also by their impact on poverty, employment, education, healthcare and household welfare.

Umebese identified poor road conditions as a major concern in several communities, particularly in Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani local government areas.

He listed the Onicha-Ugbo–Idumuje-Ugboko–Ewohimi, Issele-Uku–Idumuje-Ugboko, Ibrede–Azagba–Ibedeni–Ase and Obiaruku–Abraka roads among routes requiring attention.

He said deteriorating rural roads had increased transportation difficulties and hindered the movement of agricultural produce, calling for a transparent rehabilitation programme based on community needs.

He also expressed concern over the condition of roads in Asaba, the state capital, citing deteriorating sections of Dennis Osadebay Way and the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

According to him, the government should balance major infrastructure projects with the rehabilitation of existing roads and other essential public facilities.

He urged the administration to publish project costs, completion timelines and maintenance plans to enable residents to assess the benefits of public expenditure.

On electricity, Umebese said unreliable power supply had increased operating costs for businesses and constrained industrial growth across Delta North.

He called for renewed engagement among the state government, the Federal Government and relevant power-sector operators to explore options for improving electricity supply, including the potential benefits of the Okpai Independent Power Plant in Ndokwa East.

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He also urged the government to clarify its position on proposals for improving power distribution to communities around the facility.

Umebese further identified access to potable water as an area requiring urgent attention, particularly in communities expected to benefit from water infrastructure projects.

He cited the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and called for collaboration between the state and relevant federal agencies to address outstanding water reticulation requirements and improve access to safe drinking water.

On youth development, he questioned the measurable impact of government-backed empowerment and job-creation programmes, including YAGEP, FSP and WESAP.

He urged the state government to publish information on beneficiaries, funds committed, businesses established and jobs sustained.

He said greater investment in vocational training, entrepreneurship and an enabling business environment was necessary to improve employment prospects for young people, particularly graduates struggling to secure formal jobs.

He also expressed concern over the rising cost of living in Delta North, citing accommodation, transportation and education expenses as major pressures on households.

Umebese said the government could help ease the burden through support for agriculture, improved rural infrastructure, stronger public healthcare and targeted assistance for vulnerable residents.

He added that the effectiveness of such interventions should be assessed through measurable outcomes rather than official announcements alone.

On education, Umebese called for renewed attention to public secondary schools, including St Patrick’s College, Asaba; Agbor Secondary School; Ika Grammar School; Obiaruku Grammar School; Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School; and Martins College, Issele-Uku.

He said the government should assess their infrastructure, staffing and academic performance while strengthening technical and vocational education to prepare students for employment.

The public commentator also called for improved primary healthcare delivery, adequate staffing, essential medicines and affordable treatment, particularly in rural communities.

Umebese said the concerns raised were intended to encourage greater accountability and a more inclusive approach to development.

With the 2027 elections approaching, he urged political parties and candidates to present practical proposals addressing infrastructure, electricity, water supply, unemployment, education and healthcare.

He said voters should assess the incumbent administration and opposition candidates on their records, policy commitments and capacity to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Deltans.