Delta suspends award of new roadcontracts

Three die, Ughelli-Asaba road cut offAWARD of fresh contracts on road construction has been suspended by the Delta State government.Announcing this while addressing contractors handling road and drainage projects, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan disclosed that his administration was indebted to them and the only way to pay fully was to suspend the award of new contracts. Besides, it would enable government concentrate and complete all ongoing road and drainage projects.He hinted that contractors would be paid within the next two months, and enjoined the contractors to mobilise to site when the rains were over and complete their contracts before the end of December.He urged them to work day and nightAlso, the government is to improve on the road network in major cities of the state by December this year.The Commissioner for Information, Barrister Chike Ogeah, who announced this yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen in Asaba, explained that the government was committed to ensuring the quick completion of road projects.He observed that the governor's meeting with contractors was to identify the challenges faced by them in executing their projects.Meanwhile, no fewer than three persons have reportedly died at a relief camp in Ivrogbo, Isoko South Local Council following the trauma of rescuing victims from communities affected by massive flooding prompting authorities to relocate the survivors to St. Michaels Primary School, Oleh, which is the headquarters of the council.Among the communities submerged by the floods are Ovrode, Ofagbe, Okpe-Isoko, Lagos Iyede, Igeh, Ikpede, Onogboko, Itebioge, Exiro, Iyede-Ame, Azagba, Otoka-Ekegbresi, Egbeme, Warri-Irri, Iwrie-Ogbokor, Ekpe, Asafo, Ivrogbo and Ashaka comprising Isoko North and South as well as Ndokwa East Local Council Areas.Relatedly, motorists plying the Ughelli-Asaba express road have diverted to other routes following the overflow of flood water around Osisa, extending to Ashaka and Aboh in Ndokwa East. Transport fares by road and water have hit the rooftop, in some cases as high as 500 per cent.However, Secretary to the State Government, Ovuozourie Macaulay, along with some members of the Isoko Political Class, have mobilised over 36 speed and engine boats to help in the rescue of people still trapped in the riverine areas. Clothes, foodstuff and other medicaments were also provided by the group.
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