The Ebonyi Commissioner for Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Ukie
Ezeali, has assured the people that the Gov. David Umahi-led administration
will complete all existing projects before leaving office.
Ezeali, who gave the assurance while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Abakaliki on Tuesday, added that the governor would not start what
he would not finish.
“Considering what the government achieved in its first tenure, I want to allay
all fears bordering on its non-completion of the numerous projects it
embarked upon.
“The state is on auto-pilot mode as the governor has infused the spirit of
effective utilisation of resources into us to work whether he is around or not.
“All the projects being embarked on in the state are viable and would ensure
that Ebonyi is turned into an investment hub presently and in the future,” he
said.
Ezeali said that with the prudent management of resources in state, the usual
high cost of construction of projects had been reduced and huge amount of
money saved.
“The average cost of a kilometre of concrete-paved road is N155 to N165
million, including two side drains as against what is obtainable in other states.
“We have ensured that it is criminal for any head of monitoring or regulatory
agency to be enticed with bribe for compromise on his core duties.
“I came from the private-sector where what counts is ‘man-hour’ and I have
warned all my staff to be proactive to judiciously earn their pay,” he said.
Ezeali said that to achieve his office’s mandate of executing projects according
to stipulated standard and specifications, the ministry had recruited
additional personnel.
“They have been permanently posted to all project locations in the state and
we have also provided quality manuals and guidelines, while equipping our
personnel with latest technological practices.
“Our prime objective is always value for money and to strictly monitor cost
using the principles of value of work done.
“We also ensure that no contractor is paid for jobs not executed, while paying
reasonably using the best costing approach,” he said.
