Edo State Executive Council has ratified major contracts and approved renovation of some public schools and reconstruction of roads in Ovia North East, Esan North East and Oredo Local government areas.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu disclosed this while briefing Journalists after the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Chairman in Council, Governor Monday Okpebholo
The council ratified major contracts awarded by the state ‘s tenders board and the chairman in council, who is the Governor before the inauguration of the state executive council.
The Commissioner noted that having observed the procurement law and the tenders board certification in respect of the affected contracts, the council thought it wise to ensure they are also ratified.
According to Ohonbamu, “Approval has been given for the purchase of vehicles for the Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission. They are four Hilux vans and four Prado Jeeps.
The Exco also approved the award of reconstruction of roads in Ovia North East, Esan North East and Oredo Local Government Areas and the termination of ten road contracts to guarantee uniformity of standard, avoid overlapping and to appropriately rescope with the aim of speedy completion. The Council also thought it wise in line with the disposition of the chairman in council that the affected contracts be assessed to know the extent of work done by the contractors for the purpose of making payments as deserving. That is the quantum meriut in contract.
The State Executive Council also approved the renovation of some dilapidated public schools across the state in line with the state government’s drive in ensuring a better learning environment.
It would be recalled that the state government met schools infrastructures in deplorable situations and has therefore taken these steps to provide a conducive environment for learning for our students.
“There was also Exco’s approval for variation of some on going contracts in line with the objective conditions and to ensure that projects executed are of standard and no contractor delays and waste the time of the government
The government has also agreed to pay ten contractors from the previous administration that are working in the state to the extent they have performed to ensure that there are no delays in the execution of projects in the state.
“This quantum meriut, is to defray what they have done and any other payment accrueable. The government is not terminating them with punishment. But the quantum of work will be analysed and what they deserve will be paid. This no doubt shows that the governor does not have any oppressive tendency but follows the rules to agree to pay those who are performing,
In four months, the governor has been able to put in place a solid foundation to build upon for sustainable infrastructure and human capital development of the people of Edo State,” Ohonbamu noted.