State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday issued a stern warning to the contractor and project consultant handling the construction of the Technical College, Irri, in Isoko South Local Government Area.

The governor expressed disappointment during an unscheduled inspection of the project site, where he observed that the institution, awarded in 2019, remains incomplete despite seven years having elapsed since the contract was awarded.

He condemned the prolonged delay in completing the project and declaring that his administration will no longer tolerate abandoned or poorly executed government contracts.

Oborevwori, who was received at the site by the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, described the pace of work as unacceptable and questioned the contractor’s commitment and competence to deliver the project within a reasonable timeframe.

Addressing journalists after inspecting the facilities, the governor said he was unconvinced by assurances that the project would be completed by August this year, noting that several critical components of the project had yet to commence.

“I spoke with the commissioner and he told me he had reached out to the contractor, who said the project would be completed by August. But from what I have seen here, I am not sure that timeline is realistic,” the governor stated.

He pointed out that work on the workshops had not started, landscaping remained outstanding, and sections of the roofing were still incomplete, adding that a full inspection of the project revealed that conditions behind the buildings were far worse than what appeared at the entrance.

“I am not satisfied with what I have seen. The project was awarded in 2019, and it is a shame that after seven years it is still not completed. The question is, what is holding the contractor back?” he queried.

The governor also frowned at the absence of both the contractor and workers during his visit, describing it as evidence of a lack of seriousness.

“If people are serious about a project, you will see them actively working on site. That was not the case here. I did not even find the contractor or workers on site. I am not satisfied with the work,” he added.

Oborevwori disclosed that he would summon both the contractor and the project consultant to explain the reasons behind the prolonged delay, while also attributing the situation to inadequate supervision.

According to him, the consultant had failed in the responsibility of properly monitoring the project and keeping the government informed of its progress.

“I will invite the contractor and the consultant because the consultant is not doing enough. The consultant is supposed to keep the client informed about the progress of work and ensure proper supervision. From what I have seen, the supervision is very poor and I am not satisfied,” he said.

The governor further lamented that the delay had frustrated his administration’s plans to commence academic activities at the institution by September, stressing that the setback had denied prospective students the opportunity to begin technical and vocational training as scheduled.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to quality infrastructure delivery, Oborevwori warned that contractors handling government projects must adhere strictly to approved specifications and completion timelines, emphasizing that the era of abandoned and endlessly delayed projects in Delta State was over.