The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its dedication to enhancing the credibility and quality of projects across the Niger Delta region through effective project monitoring and supervision. Engr. Nelson Onwo, the Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision (PMS), emphasized the Commission’s commitment during an interview with journalists at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Engr. Onwo assured that the NDDC had a well-defined structure in place to ensure a high level of efficiency in project delivery. He revealed that the PMS Directorate is overseeing close to 17,000 projects, with approximately 30% completed, and 50% currently ongoing at various stages of completion.
Project monitoring and supervision activities begin in the nine state offices of the Commission, where routine inspection visits are conducted by engineers to project sites. Engr. Onwo emphasized the importance of adhering to defined hold points for projects, ensuring that contractors pause after completing certain milestones to allow for thorough supervision before progressing to the next stage.
Addressing concerns about the quality of NDDC projects, Onwo debunked the notion that they are substandard, highlighting the specific designs and specifications tailored to the unique parameters of each project. He emphasized that the majority of NDDC projects are community-based, serving the interests of rural dwellers, and standards for these projects differ from inter-city dual carriage roads.
Engr. Onwo acknowledged the challenges faced by the region, including overuse of roads and difficult terrain. He explained that heavy-duty trucks on community roads, coupled with the saturated surface of the Niger Delta region, contribute to stress on roads beyond their designed capacities.
Looking ahead, Onwo expressed the NDDC’s commitment to completing more projects in 2024, particularly in the energy sector, with a focus on the solar-powered street light project to illuminate communities in the region.
He attributed delays in project completion to escalating costs and economic challenges in the country. Onwo mentioned that the NDDC is currently reviewing its rates to address the impact of rising material costs and aims to attract more contractors to revive stalled projects.
IEngr. Onwo provided updates on the Okrika-Borokiri Road project, revealing collaboration with the Rivers State Government and an expanded scope for the project.
