·Turns two model schools to military training camps
·Finds manager for cancer centre, mother/child hospital
By Ignatius Chukwu
The Rivers State government has approved N70. 25Bn that would be paid at the rate of N4Bn every month for 18 months to construct two roads in the sub-urban areas.
The government met on Sunday, February 12, 2023, to seal the deal saying it is for the construction and dualisation of two road projects that they hoped to further connect rural communities together and ease movement onward to the state capital.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Dakorinima Alabo, said the contract approval was made for the reconstructions and dualization of the Emohua- Abalama -Tema junction road, and extension of dualization of the Ahoada to Omoku Road, all 15.24 km.
He said it will be a dual carriageway with streetlights and it is estimated to cost N21.26Bn
The government also ratified the award of the extension of the dualization of the Ahoada to Omoku Road from Ogbo-Ukordu road junction to Omoku at the cost of N48.998Bn.
“This is a 25.4 Kilometer dual carriageway with 7.6 meters lane on each lane and also with streetlights. Both projects will be taken simultaneously, meaning that they will run concurrently.”
The Commissioner said the contracts were awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for 18 months.
“Both projects are estimated at N70.25Bn and the payment structure will be such that it will be tied to the IGR through an irrevocable standing payment order.
“So an irrevocable standing payment order of N4Bn amount will be made for 18 months. In 17 months N68Bn would have been paid and by the 18 months the balance of N2.285 billion naira will be paid.”
He did not explain the bidding process that ended with Julius Berger winning it, but the construction giant has been doing most jobs in the state since 2015.
Alabo also informed that the state government is looking at the possibility of extending the Emohua-Abalama-Tema road to Ogbakiri community.
According to him, already the feasibility study is ongoing between his ministry and Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and are determined to bring the likely cost implication before the Executive Council of the State Government.
N26Bn Cancer centre find private managers
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Princewill Chike, informed that council also ratified the Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements that were secured for an effective management of the radiotherapy unit of the N26Bn Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre. Same also for the Mother and Child Hospital on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
“So, at this executive council meeting of today, 12th of February 2023, the ratification was given for both facilities; the Mother and Child Hospital, to be managed by the Global Health Managers and a conglomerate of other companies, as well as the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Center.”
Also briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Education, Chinedu Mmom said council gave approval for the procurement of 1,442,000 textbooks, classics, and encyclopedia that will be distributed to all the public owned primary, nursery, junior secondary and senior secondary schools in the States free of charge.
Two model schools handed turned to army training centres
Mmom informed that the Rivers State Executive Council approved the hand over of the Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School, Ebubu, in Eleme Local government area for use as Naval Training School that was in Onne.
This was a school former governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, use to proudly show all government guests as the state’s proudest facilities.
Also approved for the Nigerian Navy, he said, is the Government Model Secondary School, Egberu, Ndoki in Oyigbo that will be used as Naval Headquarters Training Command.
These were known as Amaechi wonder schools.
“The school was abandoned by the previous administration and that has become a breeding ground for criminals and other miscreants. So, the request presented by the Chief of Naval Staff as being granted today will reduce criminal activities in this area.”
