Delta spends N7bn on renovation of schools in 2013

The Delta Government has said that it spent seven billion naira for the renovation and rehabilitation of 50 primary and secondary schools in 2013.

The Commissioner for Special Infrastructure, Mrs Orezi Esievo, made the disclosure on Monday during the budget defence of the ministry at the House Committee on Establishment.

Esievo said that the seven billion naira was spent on the renovation and rehabilitation of 50 primary and secondary schools in the bid to provide conducive learning environment for pupils and students.

She said the fund was used for the construction of 10 new model schools across the state, some had been completed, while others were at various stages of completion.

The commissioner also said that N4.4 billion was approved for the first phase of the construction of four new polytechnics located at Aboh, Sapele, Bomadi and Abigborodo.

According to her, work has commenced at the sites of the polytechnics.

She explained that the essence of the renovation was to improve the quality of education for the people of the state by providing modern classrooms and teaching facilities in schools .

Esievo also said that N1.1billion was approved for the construction of 30 bus shelters across the state and four city bus terminals.

The commissioner said that the essence of the bus shelters was to improve the transportation sector and to deliver accessible, affordable and comfortable public transport system in the state.

Esievo also said that as part of the efforts of the state government to promote economic and social activities within the state, it commenced the construction of Ughelli/Asaba Road at a cost of N59.3 billion in 2013.

She added that the sum of N40 billion was approved for the expansion of Osubi Airport runway in 2013.

The commissioner, therefore, appealed to the committee to appropriate adequate funds for her directorate to enable it completes all ongoing projects.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Samuel Mariere, who commended the directorate for 80 per cent budget implementation, and assured it of the support of the committee.