ASABA/Nigeria: In line with constitutional provisions, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects has made a firm commitment to maintain regular interaction with the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under its oversight in the state.
This pledge was articulated during the inaugural meeting of the committee with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Works, Urban and Highways Roads, and Rural and Riverine Roads. The meeting was led by the Commissioners of these respective ministries, Comrade Reuben Izeze and Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor, elucidated that the decision to foster continuous communication with the MDAs was driven by the aspiration to realize more substantial development in the road infrastructure sector, aligning with the MORE (Making Our Roads Enjoyable) agenda of the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevrwori.
Hon. Preyor, representing Bomadi Constituency in the House, emphasized that the committee’s oversight responsibilities encompass policies and projects under the purview of the MDAs. He underscored the pivotal role of the Ministry of Works as the technical arm of the state government and the major impact it has on evaluating the quality of governance in the eyes of the public.
Preyor stressed the importance of well-maintained and accessible roads throughout the state, highlighting the remarkable progress made by the previous administration in this regard. He also lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevrwori for engaging Julius Berger in critical road projects, expressing confidence in accelerated development in road infrastructure for Delta State.
Two committee members, James Augoye and Ferguson Onwo, encouraged the Ministry to consistently pursue excellence in road infrastructure, recognizing its critical role in the overall development of the state.
The Commissioners, Reuben Izeze and Charles Aniagwu, along with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr Fred Diafiogor, briefed the Committee on the prospects and challenges facing the Ministry. They assured the lawmakers of the management and staff’s commitment to fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate.
In a related development, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects advocates for the restructuring of the office of the State Commissioner for Special Projects into a Directorate or a full-fledged Ministry. The Committee believes that such a transformation would provide the office with the necessary resources and organizational structure to function optimally.
The lawmakers suggested that the Commissioner’s office should have four major departments, including Administration, Finance, Inspectorate, and the Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics (DPRS). They also proposed the appointment of a Permanent Secretary to ensure effective operation.
The Committee stressed that the Commissioner’s office, which is expected to oversee legacy projects of the MORE administration, requires support from critical stakeholders to succeed. They urged the Commissioner to introduce innovations that align with the government’s development goals.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboro Preyor, assured the Commissioner of full support from the state legislature and emphasized the need for a defined budget for the Ministry of Special Projects. He pledged the Committee’s unwavering legislative support.
In response, Commissioner Barr Funyei Manager expressed his desire for effective collaboration with the lawmakers to realize the Governor’s vision for the state’s development. Other members of the committee include Collins Egbetamah, Emmanuel Sinebe, and Bridget Anyafulu.
