Delta Govt Unveils Massive School Revamp, Approves 12 New Duplexes For Perm Secs, N7bn Ezhionum–Ogume Road, Lawmakers’ Quarters, Hospital Roads Also Approved

THE Delta State Government has approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to provide safer and more conducive learning environments.

The decision was one of the 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 immediately assess schools across the 25 local government areas.

He said the assessment would identify schools requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction, with work expected to commence in the coming weeks.

“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.

The commissioner said the school intervention was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and delivering projects that would directly benefit residents.

The Council also approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries as part of measures to improve the welfare of senior civil servants.

Aniagwu recalled that the administration had recently inaugurated new residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries and provided them with official vehicles.

He also 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.

According to him, the proposed payment would serve as a reward for workers’ dedication and contribution to the development of the state.

The Council further approved the provision of 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 development is expected to 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 ahead of their assumption of office.

The Council also approved 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 designed to improve the welfare of healthcare workers and provide better working conditions at the facility.

The government also 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 the 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 address flooding around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba, the Council approved the completion of the storm drainage project around the facility.

The government also approved the reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital to improve access and movement for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.

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.

The terminated contracts 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).

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 decision underscored the administration’s determination to ensure timely delivery of public projects and prevent taxpayers’ funds from being tied down in abandoned or poorly executed projects.

Aniagwu listed the school rehabilitation programme, additional accommodation for Permanent Secretaries and lawmakers, healthcare workers’ quarters and major road projects among the key decisions reached at the Executive Council meeting.