Sakpara Describes New Secretariat As Signature Project, Says Okowa Is Passionate About Welfare Of Public Servants

By John Edema

The multi billion Naira Secretariat being constructed by the Delta State government has been described as a 'Signature' project that will accommodate all government ministries, departments and agencies when finally completed.

The assertion was made by the Delta State Honourable Commissioner, Special Duties, Government House, Asaba, Chief Henry Sakpra, during an on the spot assessment of the project by journalists.

Chief Sakpa, disclosed that the state government spends over 300 million Naira on rented apartments annually to accommodate some ministries and agencies, and expressed satisfaction that, "the cumulative rents that would have been paid in future is now being channelled towards building a beffiting Secretariat."

The Commissioner who explained that Delta State was the only state in the South South geopolitical zone that did not have a beffiting Secretariat for the public sector before now, said, "the new edifice when completed will house all MDAs. It will be like a one stop shop for all government business thereby enhancing government activities."

The magnificent project which was awarded in 2016, and is at an advanced stage of completion, according to the Commissioner, will be equipped with state of the art gadgets for smooth operation of government activities.

"Work at the Secretariat is at an advanced stage. Finishing work at the 5 floor storey building is going on simultaneously. Everything needed for the building to function optimally is being installed."

When asked how government hope to maintain such a big structure, considering the poor maintenance culture of Nigerians especially towards government properties, the commissioner assured that the structure will be adequately taken care of, and disclosed that the company has promised to train those that would handle and maintain the facility. "Some civil servants will be trained on the use and maintainance of the facilities," he explained.

"Governor Okowa, as you know, has so much interest and strong passion for the welfare of public servants, who are the engine room of government, and one of the pragmatic ways of expressing it is building a befitting Secretariat to enhance their efficiency," he explained.

Chief Sakpra, commended the North China Construction Gruop, NCCG, which is handling the project for quality job. "We are happy and proud of what the company is doing at the Secretariat. They have really done well."