Delta Assembly Tasks Ministry of Works on Meaningful Road Infrastructure

…advocates upgrade of Special Projects Office to a Directorate or Ministry.

In line with constitutional provisions, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, has promised regular interface with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, under it oversight in the state.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, gave the assurance during the maiden meeting of members of the Committee with top functionaries of the Ministry of Works, Urban and Highways Roads and Rural and Riverine Roads, led by the Commissioners, Comrade Reuben Izeze, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.

Hon Preyor explained that the decision to constantly interface with the MDAs was aimed at achieving more meaningful development in road infrastructural sector as envisaged in the MORE agenda of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevrwori.

Addressing the Commissioners and officials of the Works Ministry, both Urban and Rural roads, Hon. Preyor who represents Bomadi Constituency in the House, said the oversights includes policies and projects under the supervision of the MDAs.

He noted that as the technical arm of the state government, the Ministry of Works is expected to perform optimally, stressing that functions and activities of the Ministry are major impetus to assessing the quality of governance by the people.

The Lawmaker emphasized that good and accessible roads across the state are needed to facilitate and enhance movement of goods and services, even as he acknowledged several milestones achieved in that regards by the immediate past administration in the state.

Preyor on behalf of the Assembly Committee on Works, congratulated and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for bringing in Julius Berger into the state to handle some critical road projects in the state.

He said judging by the antecedent of the road construction giant, Delta State is in for accelerated development in road infrastructure and charged the management team of the Ministry of Works to give the task ahead, desired attention.

Delta state Commissioners for Works, Mr. Charles Aniagwu (L) and Comrade Reuben Izeze (2nd left) during the interactive session.

Two members of the Committee, James Augoye and Ferguson Onwo, challenged the Ministry to push for excellence at all times as good road infrastructure was key to all round development of the state.

The Commissioners, Reuben Izeze and Charles Aniagwu, together with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr Fred Edafioghor, while briefing the Committee, highlighted the prospects and challenges of the Ministry and assured the Lawmakers of the commitment of management and staff to deliver on the mandate of the Ministry.

In a related development, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, has advocated that the office of the State Commissioner for Special Projects be restructured to a Directorate or full blown Ministry.

Chairman and Members of the Committee who spoke during their maiden meeting with the Commissioner in charge of Special Projects, Barr. Funyei Manager at the State House of Assembly Complex in Asaba, said by so doing the office would be accorded all the nomenclatures of a Directorate or a Ministry.

The Lawmakers explained that the Commissioner need four major departments, including Administration, Finance, Inspectorate, and Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, DPRS as well as a Permanent Secretary to function effectively.

The Committee, said the office which is expected to handle some legacy projects of the MORE administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevrwori in the state, requires all the support from critical stakeholders to succeed.

The Lawmakers charged the Commissioner to introduce innovations that would stand the test of time and support government drive in fast tracking development in the state.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboro Preyor had in his opening remarks, assured the Commissioner of necessary support from the state legislature, saying that the 8th Delta Assembly led by the Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor was committed to fostering sound synergy with other arms of government, particularly the executive to ensuring peace and good governance in the state.

Preyor who stressed that there should be a defined budget line for Ministry of Special Projects, charged the Commissioner to always ensure that standards were maintained in any project under his watch.

He assured the Commissioner of every necessary legislative support from the Committee.

The Commissioner, Barr. Funyei Manager had appealed for effective collaboration with the Lawmakers in his desire to achieve the vision of the Governor in the development of the state.

Other members of the committee include Collins Egbetamah, Emmanuel Sinebe and Bridget Anyafulu.