By Fidelia Femi-Adedoyin
His Excellency the governor of Delta State, Senator Arthur Okowa has reiterated that the leisure park and Film village project are very dear to the heart of this administration.
He made this reiteration as he once again inspected the leisure park and Film village project to ascertain the level of work done and the likely date of completion.
The governor who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Ovie Agas expressed his dissatisfaction at the speed of the work on site. He noted that at the rate the work is going, delivery on the proposed date would not be feasible.
Stressing on the importance of this project to the administration, he urged the contractors to speed up work and ensure they deliver in the shortest possible time as the date of completion has been moved several times.
The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Lawrence Ejiofor who was also on ground for the inspection said he would also increase e/orts at his end by embarking on a more regular inspection.
The Consultant, Arch. Kester Ifeadi, who has been in close relation with the contractors requested a new proposed date for the completion as the previous date, May 29, 2022 is no longer feasible.
He observed that a lot is often left undone for too long due to the insufficent number of man power engaged at a time on site. He said that from experience, it would take much more people working at thesame time to deliver the project on the proposed date.
He acknowledge that there have been a few challenges but urged the contractors to sit up as this administration cannot wait in perpetuity for the project to be completed.
He also noted that the government has shown maximum commitment to this project and deserves to see a commensurate commitment from the contractors. He urged them to work on their internal planning and administrative system to ensure they deliver latest in the month of June as opposed July, they presented as the new proposed date.
Speaking up for the contractors, the director of Finance, Liu Zhaolong remarked that as the work progressed, certain discoveries were made that led to alterations of the original architectural designs.He said this and a few other challenges have contributed to the delay in delivering the job but assured that he will do his best to ensure delivery in the month of June as agreed.
The inspection to the leisure park and +lm village revealed that the zoo is near completion as most of the animal cages have been done.It also revealed that all the facilities for the leisure park have arrived such as the equipment for the children indoor and outdoor gaming activities.
All trees and flowers have been installed in their various positions and the project is definitely close to completion and would hopefully be delivered on the proposed date.
