Benue SUBEB Chairman monitors 2024 UBEC/SUBEB projects, charges contractors on job quality and specification

By Johnson Arua

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has carried out an on-the-spot monitoring of  projects being executed under the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEB Matching Grant intervention across selected Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the State.

The projects, which commenced about two months ago, include new construction of storey classroom buildings, renovation of existing classroom blocks, provision of furniture, as well as water and sanitation facilities aimed at improving the learning environment in  basic education Schools.

Dr. Adagba, accompanied by members of the SUBEB Project Design and Monitoring Committee, monitored project sites across three LGEAs. Speaking during an interview, the Executive Chairman stressed that Contractors must strictly adhere to minimum standards and approved specifications in the execution of SUBEB projects.

She explained that Contractors are expected to promptly correct any anomalies identified by the monitoring team and report back immediately. According to her, Contractors who receive corrections more than three times will no longer be eligible to tender for SUBEB projects.

“Only contractors who comply strictly with project specifications will be paid. The Board has ensured that everything concerning project execution is seamless. Contractors do not need to come to the Board to follow up on payments. Just make sure you do the right thing on site, and you will be paid,” she stated.

Dr. Adagba noted that, compared to the 2023 project implementation, the 2024 projects are progressing more smoothly, with improved quality of work.

However, she expressed displeasure with the performance of some contractors who are lagging behind schedule. She issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the contractor handling the borehole project at LGEA Primary School, Ihugh, to complete the work or forfeit the retention fee.

“Payments on our projects are based on valuation. It is how much you have done at each stage of execution that determines how much you are paid,” she emphasized.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Project Design and Monitoring Committee, Engr. Dr. Eric Gowon, explained that after contract awards, the committee conducts sensitization sessions for contractors to clearly outline project timelines, after which contractors submit their work programmes.

“We are a team of professionals. If contractors have issues with project design or execution, they can reach out to us. We carry out process monitoring, not just end-product monitoring. Our goal is to ensure a conducive learning environment for the Benue child,” he said.

One of the contractors, Arc. Terna Tar of Scamts Limited, assured the Board that he is doing his best to ensure that the elevated building he is constructing strictly follows approved specifications.

Schools visited during the monitoring exercise include NKST Primary School Asukunya,St. James Primary School Yandev; NKST Primary School Genyi; NKST Primary School Orphanage, Mkar,as well as RCM Primary School Ihugh, LGEA Primary School Bako, LGEA Primary School Abaki, RCM Primary School Ugye, and LGEA Primary School Vandeikya Central.