ASABA/Nigeria: In a strategic move aimed at upholding project quality and standards, the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has firmly underscored the imperative of thorough project verification before contractors receive payment. Recent inspections and verifications carried out by the board covered projects in Oshimilli South and North, Ika South, Ika Northeast, and Ndokwa West.
The Chairman of SUBEB, Barr Samuel Mariere, who was represented by the 2nd member of the board and Chairman of the Project Monitoring Committee, Comrade Onome Akpoghere, reiterated the importance of this verification exercise. Akpoghere emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure projects adhere to the stringent quality and standard specifications set by the state government.
Mariere disclosed the deployment of the project monitoring team across the three senatorial districts to assess and verify over four thousand desks, along with classroom blocks and water projects supplied and completed by various contractors. He emphasized that the era of disbursing payments to contractors without prior verification is now a thing of the past, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring quality and durability in all executed projects.
Commending a contractor for supplying high-quality desks to government schools, Mariere acknowledged the use of top-notch materials. He also praised the excellent execution of a six-block classroom building at Ezeti Primary School in Ndokwa West local government area, urging other contractors to emulate such standards.
While expressing satisfaction with certain projects, Mariere expressed disappointment with the fencing work at Agwai Primary School and identified issues such as broken doors and windows at Egwa Junior Secondary School, Ewuru, both in Ika South local government area. Contractors were sternly warned of potential non-payment unless they promptly rectify the highlighted errors.
Responding to concerns raised by school heads, Mariere assured that the government would address issues such as the provision of teachers’ desks, reactivation of water schemes, and renovation of broken-down fences. He highlighted the commitment of Rt. Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor, to enhancing public education in the state, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to making it the best in the region.
