Agro-Industrial Park, Aboh-Ogwashi-Uku
12. In line with the agricultural transformation and wealth creation objectives of this administration, the State Government is implementing a public-private partnership for the establishment and operation of an Agro-Industrial Park at Aboh Ogwashi-Uku in partnership with Mirai Technologies Ltd as technical partner and anchor investor, and Norsworthy Investments Ltd. as participating investor.
13. Following rigorous project appraisal and the completion of all design-phase activities, the project development is currently at financial closure, preparatory to the construction phase. When fully established, the Agro-Industrial Park will be the principal catalyst of the agricultural commodity value chains, create thousands of new jobs and multiply wealth for the teeming youth and agricultural population of the State.
14. In the 2020 fiscal year, the construction and development of the Agro-Industrial Park will be prioritized among the crucial public investments of the State Government.
Opening the Riverine Communities through Road Infrastructure
15. On July 12, this year, this administration recorded a major feat with the commissioning by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo of roads in the hitherto neglected riverine communities, notably the 20.29 km Obotobo 1- Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri, Township roads (Phase 2) and the Main Axial Road at Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area. In the case of the Obotobo 1 -Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri road, it is not just the length of the road that makes this project unique; it is that the road is located right beside the Atlantic Ocean with all the human, material, ecological and financial implications that this difficult terrain presents.
16. Also, this major access road in Ogulagha Kingdom cuts across four communities that contribute a large chunk of crude oil to the national economy as well as right through the various oil production companies and the oil pipelines manifolds along the road. It goes without saying, therefore, that this road would ease the movement of people, goods and services within the communities as well as improve their socio-economic life.
17. Similar road projects undertaken by this administration in riverine communities include the paving of Burutu Township roads, on-going construction of Rigid Concrete Pavement Road at Ogidigben, construction of Access Road to Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko (Kurutie Campus), construction of Oporoza Palace Road in Gbaramatu Kingdom, all in Warri South West Local Government Area, as well as the Construction of Ogulagha/Youbebe/Biniebiama Road, in Burutu Local Government Area.
18. These projects demonstrate our commitment to bring development to every part of the State, no matter how remote. Furthermore, they have greatly helped to ensure peace in the State, which bodes well for uninterrupted oil production and the health of the national economy. As I remarked during the June 12 commissioning ceremony, “it is a triumph of will over danger, hard work over resignation and determination over adversity.”
Warri, Uvwie and Environs Storm Water Drainage Project
19. The State Government has commenced the process of constructing a massive storm water drainage project in Warri, Uvwie and Environs to tackle the recurring problem of flooding and environmental degradation in the area. Before now we appointed a consultant, who, working with a Government-appointed Committee studied the problem of perennial flooding/erosion in Warri, Uvwie and Environs, and drew up a Master Plan to tackle the problem.
20. Given the massive nature of the project and the huge costs involved, the State Government has decided to execute it in phases. The first and second phases, expected to commence this dry season, will cover the high-risk areas within the Warri metropolis. It will involve desilting of natural drainage channels (some of them will be dredged), demolition and reconstruction of undersized drains and construction of new water channels. We are currently processing the award of contracts for the first two phases worth N9.5b Hopefully, we should be able to complete the project in good time so that our people can have some relief when the rains come.
School Census, Audit and Mapping
21. Through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, we have commissioned a comprehensive study of all public primary and secondary schools in Delta State. This study is being carried out by a renowned international research company to assess the current state of our primary and secondary schools, especially in terms of physical infrastructure, manpower distribution and curriculum development. The outcome of this study will guide future government intervention and the construction of infrastructural facilities in our primary and secondary schools.
