The Rivers State Executive Council has approved contracts worth N74.9 billion for various infrastructure projects across the state.
The projects include the reconstruction of the State House of Assembly Auditorium, the construction of Kalaibiama/Epellema Road, and the completion of four zonal hospitals in Ahoada, Degema, Omoku, and Bori.
The council, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, also approved the renovation of Bonny General Hospital, the upgrade of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, and the construction of a new General Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
According to Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the approval followed memos presented by the Ministry of Health to the State Executive Council. The ministry requested the cancellation and termination of existing contracts for the zonal hospitals and re-award of fresh contracts to enable the completion of the projects.
The contracts include:
– Reconstruction of State House of Assembly Auditorium (N19.566 billion)
– Construction of Kalaibiama-Epellema Road and bridge (N29.035 billion)
– Completion of four zonal hospitals (N26.350 billion)
– Renovation of Bonny General Hospital and upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital
– Construction of a new General Hospital at Rumuigbo
Recall that the state government in December 2023 demolished the state House of Assembly building on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of the state.
This followed escalating political tension in the state.
However, the Rivers State Government said that it demolished the state House of Assembly complex following advice from experts. The government said that it was advised by experts that the structural integrity of the building had been compromised due to structural defects that arose mainly as a result of an explosion and fire incident at the Assembly and that the building was no longer safe for use.
