Bayelsa Govt Denies Deductions From Contractors’ Money

The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has denied claims that contractors handling school projects in the state were being shortchanged.

Speaking on the issue in Yenagoa, the director of Finance and Accounts in the ministry, Mr Joe Sikpi, described the rumours as false and misleading, adding that there are no illegal deductions from the money meant for contractors.

He confirmed that all ongoing school projects across the state were progressing well, with six newly constructed secondary school buildings already completed and commissioned in Igbogene, Biogbolo, Ekeki, Ovom and Akenpai communities.

Sikpi, however, stated that it was only official deductions approved by the state and applicable to other ministries in the state, which is statutory, including 7.5 percent VAT, 2 percent WHT, 3 percent BIM, 1percent EDTF, 1 percent stamp duty, 1 percent supervision levies amounting to 15.5 percent that were being deducted from any contractor’s money at the state treasury.