Imagine waking up one morning to find that your neighbourhood road, which was once filled with potholes, is now smooth and safe to drive on. Or that the hospital near your house has new doctors and better equipment to take care of sick people. That’s exactly what the Delta State Government is planning with its new budget of N275 billion for projects across the state!
What’s Happening?
At its first big meeting of the year, the Delta State Executive Council (EXCO), led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, decided to spend a huge amount of money to improve roads, hospitals, schools, and even sports stadiums. This decision was made at the Government House in Asaba on Thursday, and it’s the biggest one-time approval of projects in the 34-year history of Delta State.
What Will the Money Be Used For?
The money will go into several important areas:
- Better Roads: Many roads across the state will be built or repaired. Some of them include:
- The Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road (Phase 1)
- Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road
- Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene Road
- Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road
- Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road rehabilitation
- Upgrading of Okpanam Road in Asaba
- And many more!
- Improving Healthcare:
- N1.6 billion was set aside to make sure more people can afford medical care through the Contributory Health Scheme.
- A new Specialist Hospital will be built in Osubi, with a public laboratory and psychiatric clinic.
- General Hospital, Expan will be totally repaired.
- A new library will be completed at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara to help train more medical students.
- Upgrading Education:
- The Southern Delta University in Orerokpe will get a new building called Faculty B to help more students get a good education.
- Sports and Recreation:
- The Warri City Stadium will be remodeled to provide better facilities for athletes and sports lovers.
- Urban Development & Flood Control:
- Extra money has been approved to improve drainage systems in places like Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, to prevent flooding.
- Traditional Leadership & New Communities:
- Obi Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko was officially recognized as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom.
- The state government also approved the creation of a new autonomous community called Olodu in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Where is the Money Coming From?
Unlike some projects that require borrowing money from banks, Governor Oborevwori’s government has decided to fund these projects without taking loans. The government has also paid off N8 billion previously owed to contractors working on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, showing that they are serious about getting work done.
Why Does This Matter?
For a young boy or girl living in Delta State, this means:
- Safer and better roads to school and home.
- Improved hospitals with more doctors and equipment.
- Better education with new university buildings.
- More fun and sports with an improved stadium.
- Less flooding in communities.
Governor Oborevwori’s team, including Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Reuben Izeze, assured everyone that they will make sure every kobo is well spent.
This year is looking bright for Delta State, and if everything goes as planned, people will soon see big changes in their communities!
