As part of measures aimed at urbanising some communities in the three senatorial districts in Delta State, the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, today, approved the construction and rehabilitation of more than 30 kilometres of road projects.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu who briefed journalists shortly after Exco meeting, listed some of the road projects to include 2.05km Kokodiagbene Road in Warri South West; 10.85km Ute-Okpu/Ute-Enugu Road in Ika North East and 1.5km Ovie Palace Road in Mosogar, Ethiope West.
Mr. Aniagwu listed other road projects to include Etua -Oliogo and Etua Etiti Roads in Ndokwa West; 4.9km Aviara – Bethel Road in Isoko South; 1.2km Abi-Ezionum Road and 12km internal roads in Uwheru, Ughelli North which, he said, cuts across eight agrarian communities.
“We are still continuing with approval of projects, not just to enable us finish strong, but also, to reach several rural communities and urbanise them.
“At today’s Exco, we have approved the construction of Ute-Okpu/Ute-Enugu Road in Ika North East Local Government Area. It is about 10.85kms.
“This was a road awarded sometimes in 2010 during the time of late Hon. Sam Obi, but was abandoned over time and was later repudiated,”he said.
According to him, Exco also, approved the construction of landing jetty at kolofiagbene in Bomadi, adding that Exco equally approved the construction of a new office accommodation for the State Civil Service Commission.
He stated that Exco approved the appointment of a Financial Adviser on a proposal which, according to him, is requesting the state government to be part of the establishment of a manufacturing facility that would be responsible for the coalition and production of nails.
The Commissioner disclosed that there is a factory sited at somewhere in Isele-Azagba, which has been in the business of producing nails, pointing out that the company wants to take advantage of the Free Trade Zone in Kwale.
While saying that the company wants the government to provide other enabling environment, Aniagwu said “we are also considering that if it scales through, we would not hesitate to participate under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“So, we have approved a Financial Adviser to advise the government on the viability of this particular investment.
“You also do know that we will be hosting the National Sports Festival in November, this year hence, Exco has approved the upgrade of a number of sports facilities, including hostels to accommodate the athletes.
“We have tried to situate some of the sports facilities in schools in order for these facilities to still be useful after the sports festival. Exco has approved the upgrade of a hockey pitch at Okpanam.”
On why herdsmen were still moving round the state with their cattle after the anti-open grazing laws was signed into law, the Commissioner said the state government was finetunning its strategies to bring to an end such illegal act.
He, therefore, sued for the collaboration of all in fastracking development in urban and rural communities.