Delta groans over rising cost of diesel

The Delta State Government has lamented the high cost of diesel even as it criticised the multi-billion-naira contract for the construction of Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state due to poor performance by the contractor.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr Noel Omodon, who lamented this in Asaba, said the decision on the contract was taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said, “Delta State government has reviewed more projects due to rising cost of diesel, granite, sharp stone, rods, bitumen, asphalt among other construction materials.

“Exco approved the repudiation of the Ayakoromo bridge contract because the contractor is not able to carry on with the job as expected.

“The pace of work has become so slow and they are having their own internal challenges and because it is one of the very important projects we are desirous of completing, Exco approved the termination of the contract to enable us get a new contractor to complete the project as soon as possible,” he explained.”

Omodon also disclosed that exco approved the 2023 budget estimates for transmission to the House of Assembly for approval.

“The main purpose of Exco meeting was to consider the 2023 budget estimates and we have approved it for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval”

“Also approved were construction of Kwekagbor Road opposite Summit Junction, Asaba; Mission Road, Akumazi in Ika North East; Idheze internal road; Olomoro-Enwhe Road and Yanga Market Oleh-Irri-Aviara Road all in Isoko South,” he disclosed.