The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N41.4 billion for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Also approved by the FEC is N18.3 billion for the construction of a specialist hospital for the people of Ogoni in the south south region of Nigeria.
The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, stated this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja.
Environment Minister explained that the centre will facilitate an efficient and cost-effective approach to contamination management and environmental restoration as well as provide training on environmental remediation.
According to him, two memos were presented to the FEC for the award of the contract for the construction of a centre of excellence for environmental restoration with a completion period of 24 months.
He said, ”I presented two memos, one was for the award of contract for the construction of a centre of excellence for environmental restoration in Kana Local Government Area of Rivers State in the sum of N41,472,263, 848.60, with a completion period of 24 months.”
“The centre will contain an admin block, auditorium, research building as well as male and female dormitories, library and clinic, among others.”
He said, “The second memo, which is equally approved, which is also in line with the UNEP Report on the level components, is the contract for the construction of Ogoni 100-bed specialist hospita
He continued, this was in favour of Messrs Tannit Medical Engineering Limited, in the sum of N18,308,463,225.37, plus 7.5% of VAT, with a delivery period of 24 months.
While explaining the scope of the project he said it would include the construction of administrative building, main Reception, Radiology, General Outpatient, Emergency Department, General Laboratory, Staff Section, Canteen, Laundry, In-patient Department,
Others are the construction of Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit, Surgical Suite, Central Sterilisation and Storage Department, In-patients Department II, Mmaternity Wards, Labour and Delivery Rooms, Security Rooms and Nursery.
“These are projects that are tied to the programme, as contemplated by the UNEP Report, apart from the remediation component, that’s eleven competents to support the wellbeing and welfare of the people who have been impacted by the negative effects of contamination in those areas.