•Rivers State Secretariat Complex
The Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers Administration has described the State Secretariat Complex as more deplorable than facilities in the war-torn Gaza.
The committee called for an immediate renovation of the dilapidated Rivers Secretariat complex and urgent relocation of civil servants from hazardous work environments, reports The Nation.
The directive followed an emergency inspection tour led by the Committee Chairman Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who assessed the secretariat and the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly project.
Ihonvbere lamented structural hazards, weak floor tiles, leaking roofs, and exposed electrical wiring; absence of basic amenities, no functional toilets, drinking water, or furniture, and life-threatening environments, particularly on the 6th and seventh floor now declared “unfit for human occupation”.
The committee chairman ordered immediate closure of compromised floors, emergency relocation of staff to alternative secured office spaces, comprehensive renovation of the entire secretariat complex and contractor review meeting for the delayed Assembly complex project.
He condemned the infrastructural failures and praised civil servants for maintaining operations under what he described as “unconscionable conditions,” particularly those working on the dangerous upper floors.
A statement by the Senior Special Adviser, Media, Rivers State Government, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the inspection revealed that the Rivers State House of Assembly contractor would miss the September completion deadline.
Ihonvbere announced an emergency meeting with contractors to strictly review project timelines and quality standards as well as possible sanctions for underperformance.
He said: “The current state constitutes gross workplace endangerment,” stated Professor Ihonvbere.
“We demand immediate alternative accommodations for displaced workers; Transparent bidding process for renovation contracts; and weekly progress reports to our committee”.
