The Delta State Directorate of Project Monitoring and Audit has intensified its monitoring of ongoing projects across the state ahead of the activities to mark the one year in office of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on May 29, 2024.
The Special Adviser in charge of the directorate, Dr Goodnews Agbi, who led a team on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, on inspection of some of the projects in Oshimili North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East Isoko North and Ughelli Local Government Areas, restated the resolve and commitment of the Oborevwori’s administration to ensure that the projects are delivered according to specifications.
Accompanying Dr Agbi on the inspection were the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Project Monitoring and Audit, Mrs Patricia Esejo, three Executive Assistants, one Senior Special Assistant and one Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Project Monitoring as well as other top officials of the directorate.
At Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area, the team inspected the rehabilitation of the General Hospital Ibusa Phase One with the construction of a new storey medical complex and landscaping.
The medical complex when completed will house the Radiology, Laboratory, Opthalmology and Dental Departments to cater for the large patient attendance in the hospital which extends to the Delta State Capital Territory Area.
Dr Agbi expressed satisfaction with the project which was supposed to be ready as part of the one year in office of Governor Oborevwori.
He expressed optimism that the projects when completed and inaugurated will be part of those projects to mark the Governor’s one year in office.
“This project is dear to the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori because his administration is deeply committed to quality healthcare of Deltans,” said Agbi.
On arrival at the ongoing construction of the Kwale-Beneku Bridge awarded in 2018, the Directorate of Project Monitoring and Audit team observed that part of a storey building which was hurriedly erected by the owner and was causing obstruction to the end of the bridge leading to Beneku community has been brought down.
Dr Agbi who observed that the pace of work by the contractor is not commendable. He appealed to the contractor to continue with some level of work while awaiting the processing of his certificate.
He also noted that the contractor has effected some corrections on the project compared to the last time the monitoring team visited He however raised some concerns about the construction of the road which connects the bridge to Beneku community.
Dr Agbi said, “Specifically, the last time we visited we were not too impressed with the level of work and supervision, but somehow they have made some corrections.
“I can see that they have made some corrections on the expansion/construction joint, the major correction was the Expansion Joints, which I told them they must remove. The materials they put as the Expansion Joints. We agreed on the Expansion Joints, I think they have done it very well but the Expansion Joints materials are not on the site now. The engineer said they are bringing them. Dr Agbi said these are the things that will make the bridge durable and pleasant to pass.
“On the Beneku side of the bridge, they did a lot of filling/embarkment. When the rainy season comes it will wash off the whole of the embarkment. If we experience flood again the road on this side of the bridge is not properly treated. What we are trying to achieve by constructing this bridge and spending billions of Naira will be defeated.”
Dr Agbi and his team were at the 9.1km Isheagu road off Asaba/Ughelli dualization in Aniocha South Local Government Area with expected completion in April 2024.
The job awarded in 2021 has two bridges that connect Isheagu and Ewulu communities.
Dr Agbi noted the contractor has carried out proper corrections on the alignment of the road to the bridge which he expressed concern the last time he visited and the placement of the rip raps that serve as embarkment to the bridge strips.
He urged the contractor to adhere to the job specifications for the benefit of the two communities linked by the road project.
At the 4.04km construction and rehabilitation of Emevor Ivrogbor/Orogun Road Phase One in Emevor town, Isoko North Local Government Area being handled by Emo Rock Concept, Dr Agbi told the contractor to avoid shortcuts on the execution of the project as his team will be back to ascertain the job is going on according to specifications and BEME before its completion for inauguration as part of Governor Oborevwori one year in office.
The last project inspected was the ongoing construction of the roads around Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area. He inspected the road filling, culverts and drainage as against the specifications.
Dr Agbi encouraged the contractor to sustain the tempo of work as the project will greatly solve the gridlock experienced daily by motorists at the junction.
