The Rivers State Government has approved the sum of N19.5 billion for the reconstruction of the demolished State House of Assembly Chambers.
Recall that the Assembly chambers was demolished by the Rivers State Government in the wake of the political crisis in the State.
However, on Friday, the Government during its weekly State Executive Council Meeting announced plans to reconstruct the complex.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Special Projects, Dr. Rowland Obed-Whyte.
Addressing journalists after the Council meeting, Obed-Whyte stated that the contract was awarded to Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) at the cost of N19, 566, 621, 284. 24 Kobo.
According to the Perm Sec, the projected will be completed in 9 Months.
He pointed that the new Assembly Complex is made up of about 34 en-suite offices on a two storey building. The building is equipped with elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall.
Obed-Whyte gave the specification of the project to include the renovation and refurbishing of some other structures within the House of Assembly Complex that were not pulled down.
He explained that by the time the work is completed, it will turn out to be one of the best Assembly complexes in the country.
According to him, the approval for the reconstruction of the demolished Assembly chambers is part of the far reaching consideration of the State Executive Council on Friday.
He also listed other proposals that also got the approval of the Government at the Council meeting. These, he said, are the renovation and upgrade of four zonal hospitals and the construction of Kalaibiama/Epellema Road and bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
According to him, the four Zonal Hospitals are located in three LGAs. These are Ahoada Town in Ahead East Local Government Area, Degema Town in Degema Local Government, Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government and Bori Town in Khana Local Government Area.
“The other healthcare infrastructure projects are the renovation of Bonny General Hospital and renovation and upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo. As well as construction of new General Hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
Obed-Whyte, however, revealed that the hospital projects are awarded at the cost of N26,350,310, 714.88. While the Kalaibiama-Epellema Road and Bridge in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area will cost N29,035,907,233.76.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, while addressing newsmen after the meeting, said the ministry requested for the approval of the cancellation and termination of all existing contracts for the Zonal Hospitals in the State.
The Commissioner pointed that the ministry requested for the re-awarding of fresh contracts that will enable completion of the projects. “Among the requests included the renovation of the Bonny General Hospital.
She said, “We are thankful to the Rivers State Executive Council that the various decisions sought and prayers that were made by the Rivers State Ministry of Health for the approval of the termination of the contracts for completion of the Zonal Hospitals at Ahoada, Bori, Degema and Omoku, and the re-award of fresh contracts for their completion were approved.
“That the request to the State Executive Council for the approval of the award of these contracts in total summed up to N26, 350, 310, 714, 88k that was approved for the completion of those Zonal Hospitals, the renovation of Bonny General Hospital and the upgrade of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital.
“This also included the construction of a new General Hospital at Rumuigbo and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. These were not among those initially awarded for renovation.”
Oreh added that the new contractors would be mobilized to site as soon as possible. This is to enable them to commence construction work on those separate projects. She said the projects when completed will help the health ministry to advance healthcare delivery in the State.
source: Channels TV
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