The Delta State Government has approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary schools across the state, alongside a raft of infrastructure and workers’ welfare projects.
The decisions were reached at Monday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education had been directed to immediately assess schools across the state’s 25 local government areas and identify those requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.
According to him, the intervention is aimed at providing pupils, students and teachers with safer and more conducive learning environments.
“The governor has directed that the two ministries should immediately come up with the scope of these different schools that need to be rehabilitated or reconstructed so that government can immediately proceed to put them in order,” Aniagwu said.
He said the school intervention was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and delivering projects with direct impact on residents.
12 New Duplexes for Permanent Secretaries
The Council also approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
Aniagwu recalled that the administration had recently inaugurated new residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries and provided them with official vehicles.
He further disclosed that the state government was working on a proposal, to be backed by legislation, for the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants.
The proposed payment, he said, would serve as a reward for workers’ dedication and contribution to the development of the state.
More Quarters for Lawmakers
The Council equally approved additional residential quarters for members of the Delta State House of Assembly following the increase in the number of constituencies from 29 to 38.
The increase will result in nine additional lawmakers joining the Assembly.
Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori had directed the Ministry of Housing to commence the process of providing accommodation for the incoming legislators ahead of their assumption of office.
92 Quarters for Medical Personnel
Also approved was the construction of 92 residential quarters for medical personnel at the Osubi Specialist Hospital.
Aniagwu said the accommodation would comprise 24 units for resident doctors and 68 units for house officers.
He explained that the project was part of the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of healthcare workers and create better working conditions at the facility.
N7bn Ezhionum–Ogume Road, Other Roads Approved
The Council approved the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum–Ogume Road at an estimated cost of more than N7 billion.
Aniagwu said the project would open up rural communities, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Other road projects approved include the reconstruction of:
– Uba Egbelemeji–Ugbenikoko Road in Warri North;
– Mosogar Community Road Junction–Okwueka Road; and
– Old Oviorie–Agbarho–Eku Road.
The Council also approved the completion of a storm drainage project around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba to address flooding in the area.
Similarly, it approved the reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital to improve access and movement for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
Delta Terminates Underperforming Contracts
Aniagwu further disclosed that the Council approved the termination of some contracts over poor performance.
He said the affected contracts were terminated following recommendations by the State Tenders Board after the contractors failed to deliver the projects at the expected pace.
Among the terminated contracts are the Okerenkoko Township Road; the construction of Adjei Street and School Road with interlocking stones at a new layout in Warri South; and the permanent office complex for the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).
According to Aniagwu, the termination would enable the government to commence fresh procurement processes and re-award the projects to contractors with the capacity to deliver them.
He said the decisions reflected the Oborevwori administration’s determination to ensure timely delivery of public projects and prevent taxpayers’ money from being tied down in abandoned or poorly executed projects.
The massive school rehabilitation programme, additional accommodation for Permanent Secretaries and lawmakers, healthcare workers’ quarters, and major road projects were among the major resolutions reached at the Executive Council meeting.
