The Senior Special Assistant to the Sole Administrator on Health, Professor Chituru Orluwene, has issued a six-week ultimatum to contractors handling the rehabilitation and construction of zonal and general hospitals across the three senatorial zones in Rivers State to complete the projects.
Professor Orluwene gave the directive during a four-day inspection tour of ongoing hospital projects across the state. He stated that the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibot Ete Ibas, and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is committed to ensuring that health facilities are fully functional and accessible to residents.
“One of the cardinal priorities of this administration is the health sector. That is why, immediately after I assumed office, I was directed to tour the various facilities and report on their status.”
He highlighted some of the sites visited during the inspection, including the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, the General Hospital in Oyigbo, and zonal hospitals in Ahoada, Omoku, and Bonny, all of which are at varying stages of completion.
According to him, the state government is determined to ensure these projects are completed promptly to deliver quality healthcare to the people.
“We have instructed the contractors to return to work and complete the projects within six weeks. This directive aligns with the administration’s goal to revive and strengthen the health sector,” he said.
Professor Orluwene also commended communities hosting the projects for their cooperation with contractors, noting that community support is critical to the timely completion of government initiatives.
“From our inspection, we observed a high level of cooperation between the contractors and the host communities. This is commendable because, in the past, lack of local support has led to delays and abandonment of government projects. In some cases, locals would vandalize or cart away construction materials.”
He emphasized that while some contractors have performed well and are on track, others must improve their pace to meet the six-week deadline.
“The Administrator is determined to ensure that the limited time available is used effectively to achieve the state’s vision for healthcare delivery,” Professor Orluwene added.
