Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Wednesday berated some contractors and asphalt producers for allegedly shortchanging the state government.

He said that he had put machinery in place to investigate allegations of connivance by contractors and asphalt producers to defraud the state.

The governor stated this while playing host to the leadership of the Isoko Church Leaders’ Forum, led by the Anglican Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Rev’d John Aruakpor, in Asaba.

He reiterated his resolve to ensure that people of the state get value for every project executed by his administration.

“As a government, we are doing our best, and I want to assure you that we will not tolerate substandard jobs in all the jobs we have awarded.

“We want to make sure that all the jobs are up to standard; we are aware that some contractors have started negotiating with asphalt producers to shortchange the state.

“We are investigating them, and even if they have laid the asphalt, we will excavate and send the same for testing and see for ourselves because we want to ensure that we get value for every project executed.

“I want to assure all people of Delta that the M.O.R.E. Agenda is on course, and we count on your prayers and support to achieve our goals,” the governor said.

He lauded the relationship between the Isoko nation and the state government and assured that the state would continue to explore ways to partner with the church to achieve inclusive economic growth.

“The church is a very strong ally of government and this partnership is good for the peace, unity and stability of our state.

“I thank you for appreciating some of the things we have done in the Isoko nation.

“Aside from what you stated, we have completed the first phase of the Emevor-Orogun road, and we have also awarded the second phase as well as the Olomoro-Igbide road.

“We are building the College of Health Sciences, which is near completion, and we have also awarded the second phase of the project,” he said.

He said that the government and leaders of the Isoko nation had agreed to change the name of the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, to Southern Delta University, which will enable the university to get accreditation for other courses without restriction.

He said that he had directed the Commissioner for Works in charge of Highways to scope the road that connects Isoko South and Isoko North.

“I want to assure you that this government is for all, and just as I promised, I will not be sentimental.

“I will continue to work with all the stakeholders, including the leadership of the church, to move Delta forward,” he said.

He said that the state government had commenced implementation of the payment of the new minimum wage to workers.

He advised local governments in the state to implement the new minimum wage for their workers.

He appealed to Fathers of Faith to continue praying for the President of Nigeria and those at the sub-nationals.

“We need prayers in these challenging times and to do God’s will for our state and country to be at peace,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Aruakpor said the visit was to thank Mr Oborevwori for the development he had attracted to the area and for appointing Isoko’s sons and daughters into key positions in his cabinet.

Mr Aruakpor said the vision of the group was to foster all-round development in Isoko Land.

He pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the governor beyond his first tenure.

He lauded the governor for the establishment of the College of Health Technology at Ovrode and the College of Health Sciences at the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.

(NAN)