Ughelli North Council Clarifies Road Maintenance Roles Amid Infrastructure Concerns

The Ughelli North Local Government Council has restated the constitutional distribution of responsibilities among the federal, state, and local tiers of government, noting that road infrastructure falls within shared jurisdiction depending on classification.

The council said it inherited several roads already in poor condition at the beginning of the current administration. It added that, despite limited resources, it has undertaken grading, rehabilitation, and minor repairs on some roads within its area to ease movement for residents.

It further stated that parts of the repaired roads have since deteriorated due to heavy usage, rainfall, and other environmental factors. According to the council, additional interventions are being considered as funding becomes available.

Responding to criticisms over road conditions, the council said some of the affected roads fall under state or federal responsibility, adding that local governments are primarily responsible for minor interventions while major reconstruction is handled by higher levels of government.

The council also noted that some of the roads have been awarded for reconstruction by the Delta State Government as part of ongoing infrastructure projects in the state.

It emphasized the importance of constructive public commentary based on an understanding of the respective roles of government institutions, while encouraging accurate attribution of responsibilities in public discussions.

The statement, issued by the Office of the Executive Chairman, Olorogun (Barr.) Jaro Movudu Egbo, said the administration remains focused on infrastructure, education, sanitation, empowerment programmes, and other local development initiatives within available resources.