Delta Set to Tackle Abandoned Projects Syndrome

By Elohor Foghola

The Executive Director (ED), Planning Research and Statistics (EDPRS), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC, Hon. Nicholas Efele has said projects will no longer be abandoned but will reflect in Itsekiri communities.

Efele stated this at Day-One of DESOPADEC Town Hall Meeting for Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality and Stakeholders held in Chief Oma Eyewuoma Hall, Esisi Road, Warri, Warri South Local Government Area, on Friday, 11th August 2023.

The EDPRS said the new resolve on DESOPADEC projects in Itsekiri communities was in accordance with the policy direction of the MORE Agenda of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori.

He said the commission had toured many Itsekiri communities and identified many abandoned projects by some DESOPADEC contractors, accusing them of receiving money more than enough but could not complete their jobs.

Hon Efele revealed that the contractors were the major problems that the commission faced in executing projects in Itsekiri communities, and also bemoaned what he referred to as the nonchalant attitude of the people the projects were meant to serve.

He said that the board of the commission had therefore resolved that strict measures would be put in place to put an end to abandoned projects in Itsekiri areas.

“Each projects in our areas will be supervised by the host community, if the project fails it is because that community allowed it to fail.

“Checks and balances, will be put in place to ensure that no contractor will collect money without executing the job.

“Every contractor must show capacity that they can do the job, before it will be awarded to them.

“We are going to create a system, where jobs given to any contractor, will be seen by stakeholders in the community and allow the community to report directly to the board members,” he explained.

The ED added that DESOPADEC was exploring the creation of agricultural economic hubs in the rural communities, for the production of palm oil and rice in commercial quantity.

He said: “If we don’t develop our communities with the opportunity given to us through DESOPADEC, we may regret it, because we cannot guarantee the uncertainties surrounding crude oil as a natural resource in our area.”

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Sunny Ofe, assured that the commission, was committed to engaging the communities, through economic and infrastructural development.

Hon. Ofe, said that the commission would dedicate 40 percent of Itsekiri nation budget estimate for completion of ongoing projects and 60 percent for execution of new projects.

He enjoined youths in Itsekiri communities to stop the collection of development levies, also known as “deve” so as not to discourage contractors from executing projects in their communities.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) represented by Chief Billy Besigiwa, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Michael Tidi, who was represented by Secretary to council, Mr. Joseph Oribioye, as well as chairmen and secretaries of various Itsekiri communities, were present during the meeting.

The DESOPADEC Town Hall meeting continues on Monday 14th for Warri North and Tuesday 15th for Warri South West.