By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects on Monday insisted that all road, bridge and drain projects awarded by the state government must adhere to standards and timely delivery procedures.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Oboro Kenneth Preyor, alongside other members of the Committee, stated this while inspecting some ongoing projects embarked upon by the state government in Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Patani local government areas.
The visits according to Hon Preyor was in continuation of oversight assignment by the Committee in line with provisions of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Inspected projects include, the ongoing internal roads network around the popular Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North, the Orere River Bridge in Ughelli South, the Uruevwere-Uwheru road in Ughelli North and the Bulu-Angiama road project in Patani local government area.
Flanked by Honourables Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani, Ferguson Onwo, Isoko South 2, James Augoye, Okpe, Edafe Emakpor, Uvwie, Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South and Ebitonmo Alapala, Burutu 1, the Committee Chairman stressed that the State Legislature will in synergy with the Executive ensure that Contractors comply with the new order.
The Lawmaker explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had declared Zero Tolerance for shoddy jobs across the state, maintaining that the declaration is in tandem with the Committee’s resolve of “No Cutting Corners” in road projects in Delta State.
Preyor emphasized that the era where contractors execute shoddy jobs was over, adding that the Legislature in partnership with the Executive is determined to put an end to sub standard projects in the state.
He stated that the oversight visits has afforded members of the committee the opportunity to evaluate level of progress on various road infrastructure embarked upon by the state government as well as promote good governance and MORE mantra of the Oborevwori’s led administration.
According to Hon Preyor, the Governor is committed to delivering his campaign promises to Deltans, saying that as members of the legislature, they will continue play their role as representatives of the people by ensuring more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
At the site of the Bulu-Angiama road project in Patani local government area, the Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction following the abandonment of construction work at the 3.4 kilometer road by the Contractor.
Hon Preyor said no meaningful progress has been recorded in the project which was awarded in 2018 and therefore directed the Ministry of Works to submit all relevant documents connected to the project for proper evaluation.
A member of the Committee and Member Representing Patani Constituency in the Assembly, Emmanuel Sinebe expressed concern over the state of the project and urged Constituents to have fate in the government of Rt Hon Oborevwori as the house will put in more effort to ensure the project is delivered.
Acting Chairman of Bulu-Angiama community, Chief Christopher Owei appealed to the State Governor and the Lawmakers to call the Contractor to order, stressing that the abandoned project is impacting on the people negatively.
At the Orere River Bridge construction work, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Preyor commended the indigenous contractor firm and expressed the hope that the project would be delivered in May 2025 as promised by the firm.
The Member Representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon Festus Utuama, expressed gratitude to State government for executing such massive infrastructure in his constituency.
The oversight inspection visit to other ongoing projects in the State continues.