The contractor and consultant handling the Technical College, Irri, project in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State are to face official queries over the prolonged delay in completing the institution, seven years after the contract was awarded.
The development followed an unscheduled inspection of the project site on Monday by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and described the delay as unacceptable.
The governor was received 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 (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Oborevwori said he was not convinced by assurances that the project would be completed by August, noting that critical components, including the workshops, landscaping and sections of the roofing, were yet to be completed.
“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 noted that while the front section of the project appeared advanced, significant work remained outstanding at the rear of the complex. He also expressed concern that neither the contractor nor workers were on site during the inspection.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the governor said it was regrettable that a project awarded in 2019 had yet to be completed after seven years, stressing that contractors committed to timely delivery would ordinarily maintain an active presence at project sites.
Oborevwori announced that both the contractor and the project consultant would be summoned to account for the delay, blaming the situation on poor supervision. He said the consultant had failed in the responsibility of keeping the client informed about the progress of work and ensuring proper project monitoring.
The governor regretted that the prolonged delay had undermined plans for the institution to begin admitting students by September, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that contractors handling government projects deliver quality work within approved timelines.
He warned that delayed and abandoned projects would no longer be tolerated, emphasizing that contractors and consultants would be held accountable for the successful execution of projects across Delta State.
