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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Benue State office, has commenced the tracking of 34 constituency projects in over 14 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The tracking exercise, which began with the inspection of the supply of medical equipment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, as well as projects in Tarka LGA, was to ascertain the level of compliance with the specifications and standards of the projects.
Leader of the tracking team, Murtala Lawal, who spoke during the field trips, said the exercise would be extended to other local government areas, including Gwer West, Gwer East, Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ado, Kwande, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Buruku, Vandeikya and Ohimini.
Mr Lawal stated that the exercise was in line with the mandate of his office to ensure that all contracts awarded by the Federal Government are executed according to the specifications and budgetary provisions.
Speaking after the visits, the team leader, who expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far, however, regretted the delay in the completion of the installation of the CT scan machine at the Federal Medical Centre, Apir, saying the project was awarded in 2024. He enjoined the management to ensure its complete installation for the use of the general public.
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“We have started the phase 8 tracking of constituency projects in Benue State. On day one, we concentrated on projects domiciled under FMC. We have our reservations on some of the projects, but others were done well.
“The ICPC would not relent in tracking and monitoring projects, and we would ensure that for any project for which money has been released for, we must see the monetary value of those projects done.”
He said the commission would sustain efforts in tracking all constituency projects, insisting that such projects were sponsored by the Federal Government for the benefit of the masses and not from the personal pockets of politicians.
Mr Lawal encouraged people to own the projects sited in their communities and protect them, as well as report any sharp practices around them to the ICPC office for necessary action.
The procurement officer at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Mr Tersoo Awunde, explained that apart from the CT scanner, which has been procured but is yet to be installed due to lack of releases from budgetary provisions, the hospital has executed all projects for which funds were provided.
The team visited the FMC to track the supply of some medical equipment to the mission ward and the CT scanner, as well as some primary health centres, among others.
