Rivers State Government has approved N19.6 billion for the rebuilding of the demolished House of Assembly auditorium.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approval was given during the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday.
The contract has been awarded to Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) and is expected to be completed within nine months.
According to Roland Obed-Whyte, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers Ministry of Special Projects, the project includes the renovation and refurbishment of existing structures within the House of Assembly Complex, including 34 ensuite offices, a storey building with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall.
“This contract has been awarded to Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) at the cost of N19,566,621,284.24 kobo with a completion duration of nine months,” Obed-Whyte said.
“The project also includes the provision of an ambulance and other external works.”
The approval comes after the state government demolished the assembly complex in December 2023, citing “renovation purposes”, amid speculation of political motives.
The demolition followed a fire incident that razed a section of the complex in October 2023, during a period of political tension in the state.
