The Delta State Government has renewed its appeal for active community involvement in the implementation of development projects across the state’s 25 local government areas, stressing that inclusive governance is essential for sustainable development.
According to the government, communities must take responsibility for projects in their areas. “If a road leads to your community, you should see it as your own—ensure it is well maintained and that contractors strictly follow approved standards and specifications,” he said.
During a paper presentation, a respected consultant in the state, Arc. Kester Ifodi, challenged the belief that project monitoring should be left solely to consultants. He highlighted the many advantages of community participation, such as improved accountability and transparency, close monitoring of material quality, better resource management, enhanced security, quick reporting of vandalism, a stronger maintenance culture, cost efficiency, access to local intelligence, sustainability, and a sense of ownership. He also advised communities to engage contractors respectfully to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
In a similar vein, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Hilary Owamah, structured his lecture around three major roles communities should play in project execution: observation, ownership, and feedback. He encouraged communities to ask important questions about project timelines, durability, and the quality of materials used.
Prof. Owamah also outlined common causes of project failure in Delta State and Nigeria, including lack of community input during project planning, prolonged abandonment of project sites by contractors, use of inferior materials, acceptance of abandoned projects as normal, and vandalism after completion.
In an interview with journalists, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno and Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Kikachukwu, praised Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as a timely and forward-thinking initiative. He noted that connecting communities through road networks boosts their economic potential, especially since many rural areas produce agricultural goods that are scarce in Asaba but difficult to transport due to poor access roads.
He assured the state government of the full support of traditional institutions in monitoring projects within their communities, describing the initiative as a genuine dividend of democracy.
These remarks were made at an interactive town hall meeting organised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Audit, Engr. Goodnews Agbi, held at the Oshimili South Local Government Secretariat in Asaba.
The event drew senior government officials, traditional rulers, community members, and other key stakeholders. It was themed *“Strengthening Community Participation in Project Monitoring and Supervision in the Three Senatorial Districts.”*
The town hall meeting was designed to promote grassroots involvement in project monitoring and supervision in line with the state government’s Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda across the three senatorial districts.
In his welcome address, Engr. Agbi emphasised the need for host communities to take ownership of projects in their areas, both before and after execution.
