Delta State Government has approved various projects worths about 230 billion naira.
At a news conference in Asaba, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the projects cut across roads, bridges, flood control, health facilities, electricity and economy.
Mr Aniagwu hinted that the Delta State Executive Council approved 59 billion naira for a flyover project at Uromi junction, Agbor as part of measures to prevent frequent road accidents at that busy axis of the state.
He said another flyover project was approved at Otowodo axis of the Ughelli –Asaba dual carriage way at a contract sum of 39.3billion naira .
Aniagwu stated that approval was also given for ten billion naira compensation for lands that will pave way for the construction of the 17.5km access road to the 2nd Niger Brudge.
On flood ravaging parts of the state, Aniagwu said approval had been given for flood control project at Agbor at a cost of 15.3 biillon naira as well as construction of flood control measure along the Summit road at a cost of 5.6 billion naira to combat excessive flooding in that area.
According to the Commissioner, one point two billion naira was approved by the State Executive Council for payment of retirement and death benefits for 132 staff of the Delta State University.
Also briefing newsmen, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, said EXCO approved the establishment of the Delta State Electricity Commission, which will serve as the central regulatory authority.
He said the Commission would be responsible for issuing licences, monitoring compliance, and mediating between operators and consumers, and that the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure and improved service delivery across the state.
He recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly had earlier domesticated the Federal Government’s 2023 Electricity Act, thus providing the legislative foundation for the state to chart its own course in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation.
Ekedayen said; “with the passage of that law, we now have a clear pathway toward providing reliable and steady electricity supply to Deltans at competitive prices.
According to the Commissioner, the state government had adopted a mini-grid model that will allow multiple independent operators to provide end-to-end electricity services in various locations across the state.
He explained that the approach differs significantly from the conventional centralized grid, which often leaves entire regions in darkness when there is a failure at a single point in the system.
“With the mini-grid approach, if an outage occurs in one part of the state, it won’t affect other areas. Each operator is responsible for generation, distribution, and supply within their designated zones, which enhances resilience and reliability”, he explained.
He noted that the model also allows service providers to propose energy solutions based on the most viable energy mix for their area.
While conventional gas-powered sources remain an option, operators can also explore renewable energy alternatives such as solar and hydro power.
Ekedayen emphasized that the entire electricity reform would be privately funded, with the state government providing only the regulatory framework and the enabling environment,.
Also approved was the establishment of a Rural Electricity Agency, which will focus on delivering electricity to under-served rural communities across the state, ensuring inclusivity and equity in power distribution.
In addition, the state has created the role of a System Operator to oversee the technical coordination of generation and supply processes, and a Market Operator who will track supply data, enforce service standards, and ensure that minimum electricity hours are delivered to homes and businesses.
Ekedayen announced that a consultant would also be appointed to help midwife the electricity transition process, providing expert guidance and assisting in the creation of a robust implementation roadmap.
He acknowledged that while electricity market reform was still new territory for many sub-national governments, Delta State remained committed to getting it right. “Only a few states in Nigeria have dared to venture this far,” he said.
The State Commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme said the state government had approved that the Otuodo general hospital be handed over to the federal ministry of health and social welfare for upgrade as a federal medical centre in that area.
Dr Onojaeme stated further that the procurement of three magnetic resonance imaging Scan machines for hospitals was also approved by the State Executive Council.
SOURCE: Sam Erhunmwunsee, FRCN Asaba.
