Oborevwori Summons Contractor, Consultant Over Seven-Year Delay in Delta Technical College Project

By Nana Sunshine
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has summoned the contractor and consultant handling the Technical College, Irri project over the prolonged delay in completing the institution, describing the situation as “unacceptable and shameful.”

The governor made his displeasure known on Monday during an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, where he expressed disappointment that the project, awarded in 2019, remains unfinished after seven years.

Speaking to journalists after touring the facility, Oborevwori said he was unconvinced by assurances that the project would be completed by August this year, noting that several critical components of the work had yet to commence.

“I spoke with the commissioner and he told me he had reached out to the contractor, who said the project would be completed by August. But from what I have seen here, I am not sure that timeline is realistic,” the governor said.

He observed that the workshop section of the college had not been started, while landscaping and some roofing works remained incomplete.

“The project was awarded in 2019, and it is a shame that after seven years it is still not completed. The question is, what is holding the contractor back?” he queried.

Oborevwori further lamented that there were no workers or representatives of the contractor on site during his visit, a development he said reflected a lack of seriousness and commitment to the project.

The governor also blamed the delay on poor supervision by the project consultant, insisting that consultants have a responsibility to keep government informed about the progress of projects and ensure proper execution.

“I will invite the contractor and the consultant because the consultant is not doing enough. The consultant is supposed to keep the client informed about the progress of work and ensure proper supervision. From what I have seen, the supervision is very poor and I am not satisfied,” he stated.

According to him, the prolonged delay has disrupted plans by his administration to commence academic activities at the institution by September.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that contractors handling government projects deliver quality jobs within approved timelines, warning that abandoned or delayed projects would no longer be tolerated in Delta State.

Oborevwori was received at the project site by the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday; the Odio-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I; and former President-General of the Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe.