The Senate and Administrative Building of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has stood unfinished for 23 years. That may finally be about to change.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has taken a decisive step toward ending the prolonged abandonment by inviting qualified contractors to bid for the completion of the long-neglected structure.
The state government revoked the original contract to pave the way for a competent contractor capable of delivering the project, and the Delta State Tenders Board has now listed the completion of the DELSU Senate Building among major projects open for competitive bidding under the Ministry of Higher Education.
Governor Oborevwori had earlier flagged the abandoned project as a matter of concern during the 17th convocation ceremony of DELSU, where he assured the university community that his administration would ensure its completion. The latest development signals that he is following through on that promise.
For the DELSU community, the news carries a significance that goes beyond bricks and mortar. It represents the possible end of over two decades of uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter for the institution.
Also advertised for tender is the construction of a female hostel block at Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu.
Other projects listed for competitive bidding include the construction of Olori Road Extension in Ughelli, rehabilitation of Egbokodo-Itsekiri Road, asphalt overlay of Swiss Cottage Road in Warri, construction and rehabilitation of Ogbobagbene internal roads in Burutu, and the building of a major drainage outfall from Frank Akpuri Street through the Petroleum Training Institute axis in Okuokoko.
Additional road projects include Akaba Utevie Road connecting Amai Community Phase II, and Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road Phase II in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
According to the tender notice signed by the Secretary of the Delta State Tenders Board, D.B. Abolo, the deadline for submission of bids is noon on Thursday, July 23, while tenders will be opened on Tuesday, July 28, in the presence of bidders or their representatives.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
