Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced tracking of over 80 projects worth N6bn across Ebonyi State.
The projects worth billions being tracked include capital projects and Tertiary Education Trust Fund projects (TETFUND) located across the local governments in the state.
The tracking team on arrival in Ebonyi visited some projects at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI).
It also visited some projects of the University being constructed at the Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).
Some of the projects tracked at the two institutions include Laboratories for Clinal Medicine and Physical Sciences, Library and others.
At the School Library, it was gathered that the project has been completed and put to use for the benefit of the students.
However, at the Physical Sciences Laboratory, it was learnt that though the building was completed it has not been put to use because there was no provision for furnishing and supply of equipment.
It was however gathered that provision for such has been captured in this year’s budget and very soon the contract will be awarded for supply of the needed equipment to enable the school put the laboratory to use.
The aim of the exercise, according to the Commission is to ensure satisfactory completion and usage of the projects appropriated.
The Commission noted that where it observes any discrepancies or infractions in the execution of any project during the tracking, it will recommend that the contractor returns to site.
It further explained that it may also recommend for the recovery of money paid for the contract.
The tracking team consists of members from the ICPC, the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Civil Society Organisations, and the Media.