IBADA-AMUKPE/Nigeria: Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, Honourable Samuel Mariere, has issued a stern directive to two contractors, warning them to return to project sites and rectify substandard work or risk forfeiting payments from the government.
During an ongoing inspection of projects in schools across the state, Mariere, represented by the Chairman of the project monitoring committee and second member of the board, Comrade Akpogherhe Onome, expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work carried out by Gover Limited and All Seasons Perfect Enterprise.
The first contractor, Gover Limited, installed an Indian Mac three-hand Water Pumps at Ovwore Primary School, Ibada-Amukpe in Okpe Local Government Area. The second contractor, All Seasons Perfect Enterprise, constructed a three-block of classrooms at Apelebiri Owei Primary School in Patani Local Government Area.
Mariere highlighted specific issues, stating, “The Indian Mac three-hand pump at Ovwore Primary School does not supply water.” He further noted that the construction of the classrooms at Apelebiri Owei Primary School did not meet the specified contract agreement, citing defects in the foundation, doors, and windows.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to quality projects, Mariere asserted, “The state government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, will not condone contractors delivering poor-quality jobs.” He issued a strong warning to the two contracting firms, urging them to return to the site promptly or face the consequences of being blacklisted and forfeiting payment.
Mariere emphasized the board’s zero-tolerance policy for substandard work, declaring that all contractors must adhere strictly to government specifications.
In addition, Mariere assured school heads of continued government intervention in infrastructure and the creation of a conducive learning environment. He also called on school heads and teachers in rural areas to resume duty early, discharge their responsibilities, and maintain a clean environment.
Residents of Apelebiri community, where one of the projects is located, commended the board for verifying projects in the state and urged SUBEB to consider employing indigenes and providing a secondary school in the community.
The project monitoring team also visited Omosuoma community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, a riverine area with challenging terrain, to inspect a three-block classroom project. The team commended the contractor for delivering a quality project despite the difficulties posed by the location.
