The Edo State executive council has approved the payment of funds to 10 contractors engaged by the immediate past administration to continue work and ensure the timely execution of projects across the state.
In addition, the council approved the termination of 10 road contracts, which it viewed as necessary to ensure uniform standards, avoid overlaps, and appropriately re-scope them for speedy completion.
The state commissioner for information and communication, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after Governor Monday Okpebholo presided over the executive council meeting of the week.
He stated, “The government has agreed to pay 10 contractors from the previous administration who are still working in the state, to the extent of their work, to ensure there are no delays in the execution of projects.
“This is to defray the cost of the work already done and any other payments accrued. The government is not terminating them as punishment. Rather, the volume of work completed will be assessed, and payments made accordingly. This shows clearly that the governor is fair-minded, follows due process, and is committed to rewarding performance.”
Ohonbamu stated that the executive council also ratified major contracts and approved the renovation of some public schools and the reconstruction of roads in Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, and Oredo local government areas.
He explained that the council ratified major contracts earlier awarded by the State Tenders Board, with the governor as chairman-in-council, before the inauguration of the current executive council.
The commissioner confirmed that since the contracts had passed through the State Procurement Law and received Tenders Board certification, the council found it necessary to ratify them formally.
“Approval was also given for the purchase of vehicles for the Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission. These include four Hilux vans and four Prado Jeeps,” he added.
Ohonbamu reiterated that the termination of the 10 road contracts was to ensure uniformity of standards, eliminate overlaps.
and re-scope the projects appropriately for timely completion.
“The council also considered it prudent, in line with the governor’s disposition, to assess the affected contracts to determine the extent of work done by the contractors to make payments as deserved,” he noted.
The state executive council further approved the renovation of dilapidated public schools across the state in line with the government’s drive to provide a better learning environment.
It is worth recalling that the state government inherited public schools in deplorable conditions and has taken steps to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning.
“There was also executive council approval for the variation of some ongoing contracts in line with prevailing conditions to ensure that projects executed meet required standards and that no contractor causes delays or wastes government resources.
“In just four months, the governor has laid a solid foundation for sustainable infrastructure and human capital development for the people of Edo State,” Ohonbamu concluded.
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