In a bid to ensure speedy post COVID-19 revampment of the state economy, Delta State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Chika Ossai, has directed contractors handling market projects across the state to complete their jobs or risk termination of their contracts.
Ossai gave the warning when he inspected the level of work done at the state-sponsored market projects in Bomadi, Okwagbe, Otu-Jeremi and Udu.
He observed that COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the socio-economic life of the people, noting that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was desirous of having the markets become functional as soon as possible so as to assist the people return to normal life.
In an exclusive chat with newsden.com.ng, the Commissioner said, “We are aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy of our people and our Governor, Senator Okowa is putting everything in place to revive the economy of the state.
“Functional markets are very vital to boost the economic life of the people and the state government is constructing markets in different places; so, we expect the contractors to meet with the terms of their contracts or have such revoked.
“We are happy with the progress of work at some of the markets visited but that of Udu Harbour Market may be revoked.
“Four contractors are handling the Udu Harbour Market and they are expected to build 604 (six hundred and four) lockup shops, a bank, police post, administrative office, among others, but they have not met with expectations.
“I appeal to Udu people in particular to be patient while I commend those that have delivered their projects on schedule.
“As we speak, four ultra-modern markets have been completed awaiting inauguration and handover to the operators.”
Ossai, who was accompanied on the visits by officials of the Ministry of Trade and Investments, stated that regular monitoring of progress of work at the respective project sites would continue, to ensure that the right things are done.
