● Tonye Okurumo
••• Says Quality Delivered Must Justify Fund
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has voiced frustration over the sluggish pace of work at the Okrika Grammar School (OGS) reconstruction project in Okrika Local Government Area. During a site inspection on Monday, October 21, 2024, the visibly displeased governor expressed concerns about the project’s progress, following misleading updates from the state’s Commissioner for Education, a press release by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to GMTNewsng, has said.
Governor Fubara’s inspection revealed a stark contrast between the reported progress and the reality on the ground. “The Commissioner gave me the impression that 70 percent of the job has been done, but from what I am seeing here, I need to take over the supervision of this project to make sure I give my people a standard Grammar School again,” he stated during his visit. The governor emphasized his dissatisfaction, citing the need for direct oversight to ensure the project meets both the timeline and the quality standards expected.
Governor Fubara (middle) addressing newsmen shortly after inspecting the progress of work done on the total remodelling and reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area on Monday. He is flanked by Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma (right); and Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Roland Obed-Whyte (left).
The Governor lamented the failure of the contractors to meet agreed deadlines and announced plans to summon the contractors for an immediate meeting. “I will summon a meeting with the contractors immediately to read the riot act to them and re-emphasize strict compliance to project specifications and timelines,” he declared, adding that despite the project’s full payment, the level of progress was far from satisfactory.
A senior education expert, Dr. Samuel Johnson, who has followed the reconstruction, supported the governor’s decision to step in. “The governor’s direct intervention is crucial at this point. Okrika Grammar School holds a rich history, and restoring it to its former glory is a matter of pride for the community and the state at large,” he remarked.
Governor Fubara further explained that the reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School was aimed at reviving the institution’s reputation as one of Rivers State’s foremost schools, having produced several distinguished figures in politics and other fields. He stressed that the government was committed to ensuring the school’s renovation was completed to the highest standard. “We were touched by the very deplorable state of the foremost school, and our government decided to give it a face-lift,” he explained.
Another observer, Mrs. Helen Okhoro, a local community leader, expressed concern over the delayed project but welcomed the governor’s decisive action. “It’s heartening to see the governor personally inspecting the work. This school has shaped many lives, and we are hopeful that under his supervision, it will once again stand tall,” she said.
The governor also acknowledged the contractors’ concerns over price fluctuations but insisted that the quality of work must reflect the funds spent. “I understand the issue of price difference. We can discuss those variations, but the quality must match the amount that is spent,” he stated.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara (middle); Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chinedu Chukwuma (2nd right); Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Roland Obed-Whyte (right); Chairman, Okrika Local Government Council, Dr Achese Igwe (left); during the inspection of the progress of work done on the total remodelling and reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area of the State on Monday.
Professor Gabriel Udoh, a civil engineer, commented on the governor’s insistence on value for money. “Governor Fubara’s commitment to ensuring quality aligns with best practices in project management. It’s essential that public projects meet the expectations of both the government and the people, especially in sectors like education,” he noted.
In addition to the school project, Governor Fubara also inspected the ongoing work on the Woji-Akpajo-Alesa-Eleme-Port Harcourt Refinery Road and bridge, underscoring his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development across the state. GMTNewsng
