Delta Exco Approves School Revamp, 12 PS Duplexes, N7bn Road, Others ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The Delta State Government has approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary schools across the state, with work expected to commence in the coming weeks.

The decision was among major resolutions reached at Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education had been directed to assess schools across the state’s 25 local government areas and identify those requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.

He said the intervention was aimed at providing pupils, students and teachers with safer and more conducive learning environments.

Aniagwu said Exco also approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, noting that the administration had recently inaugurated new residential quarters for the top civil servants and provided them with official vehicles.

He disclosed that the state government was also working on a proposal, to be backed by legislation, for the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants as a reward for their dedication and contribution to the state.

The Council further 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, which will bring nine additional lawmakers into the Assembly.

Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori had directed the Ministry of Housing to commence the process of providing accommodation for the incoming legislators.

The Council also approved the construction of 92 residential quarters for medical personnel at Osubi Specialist Hospital, comprising 24 units for resident doctors and 68 for house officers.

On road infrastructure, Aniagwu announced the approval of the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum–Ogume Road at a cost of over N7 billion, saying the project would improve connectivity, open up rural communities and stimulate economic activities.

Other approved road projects include the 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.

Exco also approved the completion of the storm drainage project around the Specialist Hospital, Asaba, to address flooding, as well as the reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital.

The Council equally approved the termination of some poorly performing contracts, including the Okerenkoko Township Road, Adjei Street and School Road in Warri South, and the permanent office complex for the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).

Aniagwu said the affected projects would undergo fresh procurement processes and be re-awarded to contractors with the capacity to deliver.

He said the decisions reflected the Oborevwori administration’s determination to accelerate infrastructure development, improve workers’ welfare and ensure that public funds were not tied down in abandoned or poorly executed projects.