DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL TAKES OFF NEXT MONTH, SAYS UDUAGHAN

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said the Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara is to commence full operations next month in preparation for its accreditation.

He said with the Oghara Teaching Hospital up and running, accreditation would be quicker; the medical students would find learning easier while health care delivery in the state would be improved.

Dr. Uduaghan was speaking weekend in Warri at a meeting with prominent leaders from Delta Central Senatorial District where National issues that affect the State and the progress of his policies and programmes concerning the senatorial district were discussed.

“I have mandated those in charge that I want to see at least one patient in Oghara Teaching Hospital by the middle of May. That means at least one section of the hospital should be open,” the Governor said, adding, “It is critical for the survival of the medical school.”

According to him, the accreditation team is not satisfied with what they saw at the Central Hospital Warri but were impressed with the Oghara Teaching Hospital.

Governor Uduaghan said the state now ranks second in the hierarchy of oil producing states from the previous position of forth, explaining that the improvement in the state’s ranking was occasioned by the peace efforts of the state government, noting that with improved oil production there is the possibility of improved oil revenue.

The Governor also announced plans by the State government to resuscitate the Bendel Glass Company, Ughelli as a way of opening up employment opportunities for people in the state. He said the Bendel Glass Factory, Ughelli is to start production again as negotiation is ongoing with Chinese investors to resuscitate the plant, and build a flat sheet glass production factory.

Speaking further, Dr. Uduaghan told the leaders that government projects aimed at improving the lives of the people are on course while efforts are on to maintain the prevailing peace and security in the state.

He disclosed plans to improve electricity supply through support to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN facilities in Ughelli and Sapele as well as the National Independent Power Plant project.

He also told the leaders of the administration’s plan to improve power supply through the State Independent Power Plants.

The Governor however explained that the problem of gas supply to the power plants is being addressed through the construction of a gas processing plant in Oto-orogu to ensure steady supply of clean gas for the power plants and other industrial users.

According to him, ‘Gas is available but getting it to the plant is a problem, all the pipes are about 30 years old so another pipe may be laid.’

On roads, the governor disclosed that the State Executive Council has given approval for the dualization of the Effurun – Eku road as well as the dualization of a two kilometer stretch into Orerokpe. He said construction work is on going on the Enerhen – Udu road dualization as well as the Refinery road in Uvwie.

Governor Uduaghan said work would soon start again on the construction of the Sapele Main Market which was stopped to accommodate some technical challenges.

Speaking on the planned expansion of the Osubi airstrip runway, the Governor told the leaders that design for the 4.3 kilometer runway and airport would be ready soon and the contract awarded.

At the gathering of prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP from Delta Central, Governor Uduaghan got commendations for his programmes and policies by those present and received assurances of support for his future political aspiration.

In an interview, the state deputy Chairman of the PDP, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Honorable Efe Afe, Chief Paulinus Akpeki and Chief Steve Oru described the governor’s briefing as a perfect Easter gift to the people of the district.

They said the success of the governor’s policies and programmes has endeared him to the people. They said the people of the district have resolved to give their support to the governor in 2011 for a second tenure.