‘Due to price fluctuations’ — Delta increases contract sum for road projects

The Delta government has approved the upward review of the contract sum of some of its projects across the state.

Ifeanyi Osuoza, the commissioner for information, spoke to journalists on Friday after the state executive council meeting presided over by Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor.

Osuoza said the upward review of the contracts of the affected projects was largely owing to fluctuations in unit rate, change in scope resulting in additional works for maintenance, rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads.

He said the state exco approved the upward review of the contract for the construction of drainage channels from Owa – Alero and environs through Owa – Alizomo and Owa – Ofie to link iyi ama stream in Ika north-east LGA of the state due to change of scope, additional works and changes in unit rates.

He added that the exco gave approval for the upward review of the contract for the construction of roads in Effurun and Ekpan in Uwvie LGA of the state.

“We also approved the upward review for the construction of Stadium Road, Ugborodo in Warri South-west LGA due to increase in the cost of construction materials and equipment,” the commissioner said.

“Exco approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of phases l and ll of Jeremiah Street, Nwawolo Road/Franca Nkem Okolo Drive/Sir Obiora Obidigwe Street and a discharge drain to Ngozi Ebora Street, Okpanam in Oshimili South LGA due to fluctuations in unit rate for the balance and additional works.

“We also approved the upward review of the contract sum for the balance and additional works for the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli/Asaba Road, sector A, kilometer 0+000 to 39+000 with spur to Oleh.”

The commissioner said approval was equally given for the upward review of the contract for the completion of Ogwashi-Uku to Asaba part of the Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation.

He added that the exco also approved the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli – Asaba Road, Sector C 1, kilometer 92+000 to 117+000, Ossisa to Kwale Junction in Ogwashi-Uku.

He said the state exco approved the contract for the rehabilitation and asphalt over lay of Oviri Court, Eruiyen, Akugele, Ojedi/Adagbasa Road in Okpe LGA.

Osuoza also added that the appointment of three traditional rulers in the state were approved.

“We approved the appointments of His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Ikechukwu Abiagum as the Obi of Ubulubu Kingdom in Aniocha north LGA; His royal majesty, 4lder John Arimoro Alika lbiri as the Okpara-Uku of Idumuesah in Ika north-east LGA; and his royal majesty, Edward Isama Ofuezuem as the Okpara-Uku of Obikwele in Ndokwa east LGA of the state.”

Also speaking, Reuben Izeze, commissioner for works, said the state government was able to save over N6 billion in the Ughelli/Asaba dualisation project owing to the “bargaining power of Oborevwori”.

Izeze assured the people of the state that the current administration would not compromise standards in project execution.