Oborevwori Cracks Down On Seven-Year Delay At Irri Technical College Project
Governor Expresses Frustration During Surprise Inspection
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in completing the Technical College project in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, declaring the pace of work unacceptable despite the project having been awarded in 2019.
The governor voiced his concerns during an unscheduled inspection of the project site, where he assessed ongoing construction and interacted with stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, the Odio-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I, and former President-General of the Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe.
Oborevwori said the project had failed to meet expectations, stressing that after seven years, residents deserved a fully completed institution capable of serving the educational needs of the area.
Governor Questions Contractor’s Commitment
Speaking with journalists after touring the facility, the governor said he was unconvinced by assurances that the project would be completed by August, noting that several critical components remained unfinished.
He observed that work had yet to commence on the workshop complex, landscaping was still outstanding, portions of the roofing remained incomplete, and other areas of the project showed little evidence of meaningful progress.
According to him, the absence of both the contractor and construction workers during the inspection further reinforced concerns about the level of commitment to delivering the project within a reasonable timeframe.
Oborevwori described the prolonged delay as unacceptable, questioning why a project initiated in 2019 remained incomplete despite the passage of several years.
Contractor, Consultant to Explain Delay
The governor announced plans to summon both the contractor and the supervising consultant to explain the prolonged delay and provide a comprehensive account of the project’s implementation.
He also criticised the consultant for what he described as inadequate supervision, arguing that proper monitoring should have ensured timely execution and regular progress reports to the government.
Oborevwori disclosed that his administration had hoped the technical college would admit its first students by September, but the continued delays had made that target unattainable.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, the governor warned that contractors handling government projects would be expected to meet approved standards and timelines, stressing that delayed or abandoned projects would no longer be tolerated under his administration.
