Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chiedu Ebie has said that lack of land is hampering construction of new schools to cater for the need of people within the capital territory.
Ebie made this known Monday in Asaba, during a press briefing for the breakdown of the 2018 budget which was presented recently to the Delta State House of Assembly by governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
According to the Commissioner, Okowa led administration was committed to constructing new schools where the need arises, but, in the case of the capital territory where there is a great number of people desiring to attend government schools, the government was finding it difficult to acquire land for such projects, especially, in the Okpanam Road/GRA axis of the town.
“We are establishing more schools in areas where they are needed, sadly, our greatest challenge is land for us to establish schools within the capital territory,” he said, adding, “as it concerns the existing schools, we have restored discipline and have also, ensured good learning environment for our children.”
Specifically answering question about the secondary school in Okwe that witnessed flooding, the Commissioner said, “as a government, we are aware of the challenges, we will work with the Ministry of Housing in determining the extent of work to be done in terms of the classroom renovation and propose channeling of rain water by ensuring a proper landscaping of the school grounds.”
He stated that they are also focusing on ensuring that discipline is upheld in schools while at the same time ensuring close monitoring of students during examination.
“In all, we are working hard to improve the standard of education in our schools system and will continue to ensuring close monitoring for the right things to be done, we believe more in action than playing to the gallery because, the future of our children is our major concern,” he emphasised.