The Delta State Government has terminated several contracts over poor performance and failure by contractors to deliver projects at the expected pace, vowing to re-award the jobs to more capable contractors.
The affected projects 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 of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known in Asaba while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He said the terminations followed recommendations by the State Tenders Board, stressing that the decision was part of the administration’s resolve to ensure timely delivery of projects and prevent public funds from being tied down in abandoned or poorly executed contracts.
According to him, the government would commence fresh procurement processes to enable the affected projects to be re-awarded to contractors with the capacity to complete them.
Aniagwu said: “The termination would allow the government to commence fresh procurement processes and re-award the projects to contractors with the capacity to deliver them.”
In a related development, the State Executive Council approved a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction programme for primary and secondary schools across the state, with work expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Aniagwu said the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education had been directed to immediately assess schools across the 25 local government areas and identify those requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.
He said the intervention was designed to provide pupils, students and teachers with safer and more conducive environments for teaching and learning.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner said the school intervention was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and delivering projects with direct impact on residents.
On workers’ welfare, Exco approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries.
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 government was working on a proposal, to be backed by legislation, for the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants, describing the proposed benefit as a reward for workers’ dedication and contribution to the development of the state.
The Council further approved additional residential accommodation 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 ahead of their assumption of office.
Similarly, Exco approved the construction of 92 residential quarters for medical personnel at the Osubi Specialist Hospital, comprising 24 units for resident doctors and 68 units for house officers.
He said the project was aimed at improving the welfare of healthcare workers and creating better working conditions at the facility.
In the road sector, Council approved the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum–Ogume Road at an estimated cost of over N7 billion.
Aniagwu said the project would open up rural communities, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the area.
He stated further, “Other road projects approved 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,
“To address flooding around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba, Council approved the completion of the storm drainage project around the facility,
“It also approved the reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital to improve access and movement for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.”
Aniagwu said the decisions taken at the meeting reflected the administration’s determination to strengthen infrastructure, improve workers’ welfare and ensure that government projects were executed efficiently and within reasonable timeframes.
