Delta State Government, Friday, approved the upward review of contract sum of some of its projects that are at various stages of completion across the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza disclosed this while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba.
Dr. Osuoza said the upward review of the contract sum of the affected projects was largely precipitated by fluctuations in unit rate for the balance and additional works.
He disclosed that the State Exco approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of drainage channels from Owa – Alero and environs through Owa – Alizomo and Owa – Ofie to link iyi ama stream in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state due to change of scope, additional works and changes in unit rates.
According to him, Exco gave approval for the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of roads in Effurun and Ekpan in Uwvie Local Government Area of the state, due to fluctuations in unit rate, change in scope resulting in additional works for maintenance, rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads in the area.
“We also approved the upward review for the construction of Stadium Road, Ugborodo in Warri South West Local Government Area due to increase in the cost of construction materials and equipment.
“Exco approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of phases l and ll of Jeremiah Street, Nwawolo Road/Franca Nkem Okolo Drive/Sir Obiora Obidigwe Street and a discharge drain to Ngozi Ebora Street, Okpanam in Oshimili South Local Government Area due to fluctuations in unit rate for the balance and additional works.
“We also approved the upward review of the contract sum for the balance and additional works for the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli/Asaba Road, sector A, kilometer 0+000 to 39+000 with spur to Oleh,” Dr. Osuoza added.
The Commissioner pointed out that approval was equally given for the upward review of the contract sum for the completion of Ogwashi-Uku to Asaba part of the Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation, stressing that the state Exco, also, approved the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli – Asaba Road, Sector C 1, kilometer 92+000 to 117+000, Ossisa to Kwale Junction in Ogwashi-Uku.
He added that the State Exco approved the contract for the rehabilitation and asphalt over lay of Oviri Court, Eruiyen, Akugele, Ojedi/Adagbasa Road in Okpe Local Government Area.
Dr. Osuoza noted that the appointment of three traditional rulers in the state were approved by the Exco.
He said; “we approved the appointments of His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Ikechukwu Abiagum as the Obi of Ubulubu Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area; His Royal Majesty, Elder John Arimoro Alika lbiri as the Okpara-Uku of Idumuesah in Ika North East Local Government Area and His Royal Majesty, Edward Isama Ofuezuem as the Okpara-Uku of Obikwele in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state”.
Also speaking during the post Exco press briefing, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze said the state government was able to save over N6 billion in the Ughelli/Asaba dualisation project due to the bargaining power of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Izeze assured Deltans that the present administration in the state would not compromise standards while ensuring that Deltans got value for their money in project execution.