By Akpos Oghenetega,
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in completing the Technical College, Irri, in Isoko South Local Government Area, describing the seven-year project delay as unacceptable.
The Governor, who made an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site on Monday, questioned why the project awarded in 2019 was still uncompleted despite the passage of several years.
Accompanied by the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday; the Odio-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I; and former President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Governor Oborevwori said the level of work on site did not reflect the urgency required for a project of such importance.
The Governor said he was not convinced by the contractor’s promise to complete the project by August, noting that critical components, including the workshop, landscaping and some roofing works, were still outstanding.
“I spoke with the commissioner, and he informed me that the contractor promised to complete the project by August. But from what I have seen here, I doubt if that timeline is achievable.
“The workshop has not started; some roofing sections are incomplete, and there is still much work to be done. I am not satisfied with what I have seen,” he stated.
Governor Oborevwori described the situation as disappointing, stressing that a project awarded in 2019 should not remain unfinished after seven years.
“It is a shame that after seven years this project is still not completed. If people are committed to a project, you will see active work going on. I did not even find the contractor or workers on site,” he added.
The Governor announced that he would summon both the contractor and the consultant handling the project to explain the reasons behind the delay, accusing the consultant of poor supervision.
According to him, “The consultant is expected to properly supervise the project and keep the government informed about progress. From what I have seen, the supervision is not satisfactory.”
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure that contractors handling government projects deliver quality jobs within agreed timelines, warning that unnecessary delays and abandoned projects would no longer be tolerated.
