Delta State Government Cancels Warri Stadium Contract Over Non-Performance
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has terminated the contract for the rehabilitation of Warri Township Stadium due to unsatisfactory progress. This decision was announced by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Commissioner for Information, during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Explaining the rationale behind the termination, State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban), Comrade Reuben Izeze, expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with the contractor’s pace of work. “The state government was not satisfied with the progress. The contractor, if allowed to continue, would not be able to complete the job within the 24-month timeframe,” Izeze stated.
Governor Oborevwori had emphasized in his inaugural address the importance of revitalizing Warri alongside the state capital, Asaba, as part of his MORE Agenda. “Today, the Executive Council, under the Governor’s guidance, decided to terminate the contract because the firm lacked the technical expertise to deliver the project on schedule,” Izeze added. A new contractor will be appointed to ensure the stadium meets the expected standards for the historic oil city.
Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, also noted that the Executive Council approved the upward revision of several projects due to rising material costs. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to initiating new projects and completing ongoing ones, aligning with Governor Oborevwori’s development goals.
“We’ve reached compromises with our partners in the contracting industry to ensure value-for-money,” Aniagwu explained. “Today, we approved the upward review of several projects, including the 6-lane Asaba Waterfront road construction to expand the capital city and urban renewal projects in Sapele.”
Aniagwu highlighted other significant approvals, such as the completion of the Obi-Ibabu Road, the Emevor-Orogun road, and the Kwale-Beneku bridge. These projects are expected to be inaugurated soon. He emphasized the governor’s strategy to prevent project delays by providing reasonable mobilization funds to contractors, ensuring timely completion.
In other developments, Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull Tonukari, announced the approval of N1.33 billion for retirement and death benefits to 186 retirees from Delta State University, Abraka. “Governor Oborevwori is deeply committed to the welfare of workers and pensioners,” Tonukari affirmed, noting that the beneficiaries would be paid following a forensic audit.
