*Approves 12 New Duplexes For Perm Secs, Lawmakers’ Quarters, Hospital Roads Rehabilitation
THE Delta State Government has approved immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction work in primary and secondary schools across the state to provide pupils, students and teachers with safer and more conducive environments for teaching and learning.
The government also approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for permanent secretaries to boost workers’ welfare, shortly after inaugurating new residential quarters for permanent secretaries and provided them with official vehicles.
These were among decision taken at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, on Monday, August 31, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the Ministries of Primary, as well as Secondary Education had been directed to immediately assess schools across the local government areas and identify those requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction, so that government could immediately proceed to put them in order.
Aniagwu said the decision was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and delivering visible projects across the state, adding 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, which he described as a reward for workers’ dedication and contribution to the development of the state.
He disclosed that the meeting also approved additional residential quarters for members of the state House of Assembly to accommodate nine additional lawmakers, following the increase in the number of constituencies from 29 to 38, noting that the governor had directed the Ministry of Housing to commence the process of providing accommodation for the incoming lawmakers ahead of their assumption of office.
Aniagwu announced approval for the construction of 92 residential quarters for medical personnel at the Osubi Specialist Hospital, made up of 24 units for resident doctors and 68 units for house officers, as part of government’s efforts to improve the welfare of healthcare workers and provide better working conditions at the facility.
The council also approved the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum-Ogume Road at an estimated cost of over N7billion to open up rural communities, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Other road projects approved include reconstruction of Uba Egbelemeji-Ugbenikoko Road in Warri North; rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mosogar Community Road Junction-Okwueka Road; and reconstruction of the Old Oviorie-Agbarho–Eku Road.
To tackle flooding around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba, the council approved the completion of the storm drainage project around the facility, as well as reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital to improve access and movement for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
The meeting also approved the termination of some contracts for poor performance, following recommendations by the State Tenders Board after the contractors failed to deliver the projects at the expected pace, and to allow government commence fresh procurement processes and re-award the projects to contractors with the capacity to deliver.
These include the Okerenkoko Township Road; 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).
The decision, the commissioner said, underscored the administration’s determination to ensure timely delivery of public projects and prevent taxpayers’ money from being tied down in abandoned or poorly executed projects.
