Housing Challenge: Itsekiri RDC awards contract for 70 housing units

In a bid to tackle the housing shortfall in the Coastal Communities, the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee has awarded contract for the construction of 70 housing units.

Making this disclosure Monday December 20, 2010 during a brief ceremony to mark the formal signing of the contracts at the IRDC Secretariat in Warri, Chairman of Itsekiri Regional Development Committee, Mr. Mofe Pirah explained that the choice of providing more housing units for the 23 oil and gas producing and impacted communities was reached after due consultation.

While pledging that the Council has put the necessary machinery to ensure that the contractors adhere strictly to standard, the IRDC boss tasked the contractors to deliver the projects in 4 months. He declared that the council will not make any variation for the jobs, stressing that enough money has been put in place to ensure successful completion of the jobs. According to him, out of 100 contractors that went through the bidding process, 58 came out successful after rigorous scrutiny.

The Chairman of Project Review Committee, Mr. Ayodele Daniel in his remark stated that one of the IRDC policy is to encourage indigenous contractors and tasks them to ensure a high standard in the execution of the project.

He revealed plans to hold occasional meetings with the successful contractors so as to fast the project delivery.

One of the caretakers, Mr. Sunny Atumu who responded on behalf of others thanked the Itsekiri RDC for the opportunity and promised to execute the jobs as stipulated.

Two other contractors, Mr. Paul David and Besidone Megbuluba who spoke to newsmen at the end of the ceremony described the process as a good development which will enhance development in the communities, especially in the area of housing.

The 70 housing units awarded today which is a follow up project commission last year marks the 2008, 2009 and 2010 project circle of the Itsekiri RDC.

A representative of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Christiana Okhawere as well as Executive members of the IRDC witnessed the ceremony.