The Delta State Directorate of Project Monitoring and Audit has intensified its drive for quality project delivery through active community involvement, as stakeholders converged for a Town Hall Meeting at the Oshimili South Local Government Council Hall.
The meeting, organised by the Directorate under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Goodnews Agbi, Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Project Monitoring and Audit, provided a robust platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the importance of community participation in project monitoring and supervision.
Opening the event, Engr. Dr. Agbi welcomed community leaders and invited guests, describing the meeting as timely and strategic.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the town hall engagements across the three senatorial districts, noting that the Governor’s Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E Agenda is firmly anchored on the delivery of quality projects within record timeframes.
The Special Adviser stressed that effective project execution cannot be achieved without the active involvement of host communities, adding that community ownership remains critical to ensuring sustainability and value for public investments.
The event featured distinguished guest speakers, Arc. Kester Ifeadi and Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Uwamah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Delta State University, Abraka.
Their citations were read by the Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Pst. Engr. Emmanuel Chuks Momah, who also anchored the programme.
In their separate presentations, the guest speakers underscored the need for communities to take ownership of projects within their domains by actively participating in monitoring and supervision processes.
They advised that individuals with relevant technical expertise should be nominated into community monitoring committees to ensure smooth project execution and avoid unnecessary obstruction of contractors on site.
Arc. Ifeadi cautioned against the practice of imposing development levies on contractors, urging stakeholders instead to partner with the Directorate of Project Monitoring, consultants, and contractors to ensure that projects are executed strictly in line with approved specifications.
He further charged communities to secure and maintain completed projects, noting that government resources may not always cover post-completion maintenance.
On his part, Prof. Uwamah advocated for legislative backing that would make community participation in project monitoring statutory.
The Professor of Civil Engineering applauded the Dr. Agbi-led Directorate for its commitment to adherence to engineering standards, while calling on communities to collaborate with the Directorate for mutual benefit and sustainable development.
The interactive question-and-answer session revealed widespread enthusiasm among stakeholders, who welcomed the call for greater involvement in project monitoring.
Participants unanimously appealed to the Directorate to increase the frequency of town hall engagements, with improved mobilisation of key community stakeholders.
