The Delta State Government has approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to improve learning conditions for pupils, students and teachers.

The approval was one of the major decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education had been directed to immediately assess schools across the state’s 25 local government areas.

According to him, the assessment will determine schools requiring either rehabilitation or complete reconstruction, after which work will commence.

Aniagwu said the intervention was designed to provide safer and more conducive learning environments while addressing deteriorating infrastructure in public schools.

He said the governor had directed the two ministries to urgently develop the scope of work required at the affected schools to enable government to proceed with the projects.

12 Duplexes Approved for Permanent Secretaries

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 state administration had recently inaugurated new residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries and provided official vehicles for them.

He further disclosed that the government was considering a proposal for the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants, subject to legislative backing.

The proposed payment, he said, would recognise workers’ dedication and contribution to the development of Delta State.

More Quarters for Lawmakers

The Executive Council equally approved additional residential accommodation for members of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Aniagwu explained that the development followed the increase in the number of constituencies in the state from 29 to 38, which will result in nine additional lawmakers joining the Assembly.

He said Governor Oborevwori had directed the Ministry of Housing to begin the process of providing accommodation for the incoming legislators ahead of their assumption of office.

92 Housing Units for Medical Workers

In the health sector, the Council approved the construction of 92 residential units for medical personnel at the Osubi Specialist Hospital.

The accommodation will comprise 24 units for resident doctors and 68 units for house officers.

Aniagwu said the project was intended to improve the welfare of healthcare workers and create better working conditions at the specialist hospital.

The Council also approved the completion of a storm drainage project around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba to address flooding in the area.

Similarly, internal roads at Warri Central Hospital are to be reconstructed to improve access and movement for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.

N7bn Ezhionum–Ogume Road

The state 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 road would improve connectivity, open up rural communities and stimulate economic activities within the affected areas.

Other road projects approved by the Council 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.

Delta Terminates Underperforming Contracts

The Council also approved the termination of some contracts over poor performance.

Aniagwu said the affected contracts were terminated following recommendations by the State Tenders Board after the contractors failed to execute the projects at the expected pace.

Among the contracts terminated were the Okerenkoko Township Road project, 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.

According to the commissioner, the affected projects will undergo fresh procurement processes and be re-awarded to contractors considered capable of delivering them.

He said the decision was aimed at ensuring timely completion of public projects and preventing taxpayers’ funds from being tied down in abandoned or poorly executed projects.

The commissioner said the various approvals reflected the Oborevwori administration’s focus on infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, education, healthcare and improved service delivery across Delta State.