The Ondo State Government says it will comprehensively rehabilitate facilities and conduct structural integrity tests on buildings at the State Secretariat Complex, Alagbaka in Akure.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Mr Abiola Olawoye, said this on Monday during an inspection of the complex led by the State Head of Service (HoS), Mr Segun Odusanya.
Olawoye said the inspection was carried out on the directives of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to assess the condition of the buildings and determine the level of intervention required.
“We are here with the architects from the ministry, with the quantity surveyors and engineers. We will also carry out the integrity tests before we embark on this massive renovation across the ministries.
“The consultants will immediately commence detailed assessments of the buildings to ascertain their structural strength and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
“The assessment will also involve interaction with occupants of the buildings to obtain information that will guide the renovation process.
“This exercise is part of the administration’s efforts to address infrastructural deficits across the state, particularly in public offices.
“Most of the buildings have not undergone serious renovation since they were constructed several decades ago,” he said.
Also, the HoS said some of the buildings were constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and had suffered serious infrastructural deterioration.
Odusanya commended Aiyedatiwa for approving the intervention, saying it would provide workers with a more conducive environment for improved productivity.
“As we all know, the welfare of workers is central to the heart of the governor. It is part of his plans that workers work in a very beautiful and conducive environment.
“We spoke about it and he gave a directive to the Commissioner for Infrastructure less than a week ago, and we are here today,” Odusanya said.
Similarly, Mr Adeduro Akinbola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, said the exercise would result in a total overhaul of the facilities.
Akinbola said similar interventions had been carried out in some government establishments, including the Hospital Management Board, Teaching Service Commission and Ondo State Electricity Board. (NAN)
