THE recent disclosure by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Project Monitoring/Audit, Engr.(Dr.) Goodnews Agbi, that the government has saved N300m, through the activities of the Directorate from monitoring and auditing of projects across the state in the past three months is quite commendable and a step in the right direction.
Agbi’s declaration that the Directorate saved such funds as a result of contractors’ failure to execute projects in accordance with specifications assigned to them by the state government, underscored prudency in the managment of the state’s financial resources. Besides, the resolve to pay to contractors what they have executed at site, when they fail to meet project specification was a pointer the to zero-tolerance for corruption in project execution.
According to Agbi, “Amongst the 150 projects we have inspected, some of the contractors did well, while many others did not. Of course we made corrections, and again for the ones we have audited in the last three months, we have been able to save N300m for the state government.
“So this government is really doing well for Deltans. The government wants the best for Deltans and that is why he has empowered and strengthened the directorate of project monitoring for us to monitor and audit projects to be sure the projects in the Bill of Engineering Measurement, BEME, is the same on the ground “.
It must, however, be noted that the feat would not have been possible without the zeal of the State Governor, the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, considering his unwavering knack for quality project delivery through painstaking efforts on projects supervision. The saved funds is, therefore, a fallout of the Governor’s insistence on project inspection to ensure that Deltans get value for any project meant for the development of the state.
No doubt the activities of the Directorate, which is geared towards effective and efficient delivery of the MORE Agenda, will not only save funds for the state but ensure quality project delivery, as the contractors are now fully aware of the government’s zero tolerance for poor and substandard projects. It also forecloses the days of shoddy projects and cutting of corners by contractors, while making sure that Deltans get value for the money spent on any project.
We commend the Directorate for the feat, as Deltans are now witnessing an era of delivery of quality development projects across the state. More importantly, the funds saved from activities of the Directorate will make extra funds available to the government, which can be channeled to the execution of other projects for the benefit of the people.
As we applaud the Directorate for efficient service delivery in the state, they should bear in mind that the reward for hard work is more work. We, therefore, urge the Directorate not to rest on its oars, rather to intensify efforts and ensure strict and steady improvement in the execution of its assignments for a greater and more developed Delta State.
