Delta state government says it will spend over N1 billion on rehabilitation of failed federal roads in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of Tuesday’s State Executive Council meeting in Asaba.
Aniagwu, who was joined by his Economic Planning counterpart, stated that the meeting which was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, also approved the construction of some roads in the state.
He listed the federal roads whose failed portions would be rehabilitated by the state government as Benin-Sapele, Benin-Onitsha and Agbor-Abraka-Eku.
The Information Cimmissioner disclosed that Federal Government’s permission to Delta Government to rehabilitate the roads was received on Thursday, adding that contractors had been mobilised to the spots.
“You are aware that commuters are facing a lot of hardship on the roads; it has become so difficult to enter Onitsha, because the road at the Asaba end of the bridge is very bad.
“The good news is that the Federal Government has reached out to us to repair these roads and we are very optimistic that by the time we are done, the government will make refunds.
“We are more concerned with the safety of our people and that is why we are committed to fixing these roads which will gulp more than N1 billion,” Aniagwu said.
He said the council approved the construction of 2.3 km Benekrukru road in Warri South West and also recognised Obi Frederick Egbankonye as the traditional ruler of Aballa Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
At the briefing which was also attended by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifejika, the commissioner stated that 19 new technical colleges would be established across the state.
He said the approval was not only in fulfilment of the campaign promise of the Governor, but for the consolidation of the successes recorded from the revamped technical schools in the state.
The commissioner also stated that to check the impact of flood on Deltans living in coastal communities, five camps for internally displaced persons were approved to be set up in Asaba, Kwale, Patani, Ozoro and Ashaka.
Aniagwu added that over 10 camps would be set up “depending on the impact of the impending flood on the people”.
For his part, Economic Planning commissioner said the council approved the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly by the Governor in October.
He added that the Fiscal Strategy Framework for the state was presented to the council at the meeting where it was discussed and approved.
CAPTIONS:
Pix 1. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu (left) and the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Barry Perebge, during Post Exco Briefing at Press Centre Government House Asaba. PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
Pix 2. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu (middle); Commissioner for Economic Planning, Barry Perebge (right) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Oliseh Ifejika, during Post Exco Briefing at Press Centre Government House Asaba. PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
Pix 3. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu (middle); Commissioner for Economic Planning, Barry Perebge (right) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Mr. Oliseh Ifejika, during Post Exco Briefing at Press Centre Government House Asaba. PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
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