DESOPADEC: Egbo Orders Contractor Back to Site Over Substandard Projects in Isoko

The member representing the Isoko ethnic extraction on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Victor Egbo, on Monday, March 10, 2025, continued his inspection of projects within his mandate area.

The first stop was the road project at the Mechanic Village in Oleh, where Chief Egbo expressed his dissatisfaction with the poor quality of work done. He criticized the contractor for several lapses, noting that the entrance was not properly connected to the main road, the edges lacked casting, and no kerbs were installed along the sides.

He further pointed out that the road was not compacted with a roller, leaving it flat and on the same level as the ground, instead of the required 4 to 8 inches of thickness.

Unimpressed by the substandard job, Chief Egbo immediately ordered the contractor to return to the site and rectify all anomalies without delay.

The inspection moved to St. Michael’s College, where Chief Egbo discovered another disappointing project. The roofing sheets used for a building renovation were largely refurbished, compromising the quality of the work. It was revealed that there was a conspiracy between the school’s principal, Mrs. Bridget Onojerame, and the contractor, Kenoba Construction Company. The pair allegedly struck a deal for the contractor to pay a sum of money to the principal in exchange for using 80% refurbished roofing sheets and giving her the remaining 20% for personal use.

The situation escalated when Mrs. Onojerame, rather than addressing the concerns, reportedly made provocative statements, issued threats, and declared that nothing could be done to her despite the exposed irregularities.

Chief Egbo, shocked by the level of misconduct, promptly contacted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, urging him to summon all parties involved for questioning.

Interestingly, the contractor handling the substandard Mechanic Village road project, Kenoba Construction Company, was also responsible for the poorly executed classroom renovation at St. Michael’s College.

In contrast, Chief Egbo expressed satisfaction during the inspection of the first phase of the Urusewe/Iyama road project, commending the contractor for their quality work.

The installation of a 300kva transformer at Odoro road, intended to provide power to Otio, Uzeva, and Emeta streets, was also inspected.

Finally, Chief Egbo visited the ongoing construction of the first phase of Ithirikpe street (150m) at Idheze road. Pleased with the standard of work so far, he encouraged the contractor to maintain the momentum.

Project inspections are set to continue, with Chief Egbo, fondly called ‘Mr. Project,’ determined to ensure quality project execution across the Isoko region.