Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga has charged all engineers working in the Ministry to ensure that projects are executed by contractors in line with approved work scope and specifications.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with the engineers in Uyo on Tuesday, the Commissioner stated that engineering supervision is the only avenue to hold contractors accountable for government projects awarded to them.
The meeting had the Permanent Secretary, Engineer John Itiat in attendance as well as the Director of Administration, Mrs. Idongesit Usen, Director of Civil Engineering Directorate, Engr. Akaninyene Henry, Director of Geotechnical Services, and Mr. Ignatius Ekwere among others.
Addressing the engineers in the Ministry, Ibanga said the meeting was convened to enlighten them on the new way of handling project issues under the administration of Governor Umo Eno and also listen to suggestions on how best to ameliorate hindrances on delivery of timely and quality projects for the people in line with the A-R-I-S-E agenda of governor Umo Eno in the state.
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He appealed to the engineers to take issues of project supervision and documentation, seriously, noting that, the current administration, highly regards proper documentation to track progress and match work done with financial releases.
The Commissioner promised improved welfare and timely release of entitlements to the engineers to enable them to do their work efficiently and warned that integrity is a necessary virtue in the delivery of their responsibilities
Reacting to complaints of intimidation by some contractors who refuse to adhere to job specifications, the commissioner ordered them to ignore their threats but handle their jobs with professionalism.
“I empower you to hold any contractor to account, bluff their threats and I will protect and appreciate you for doing the right thing.
“His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno is determined to advance the infrastructural development in Akwa Ibom State, we must not let him down.
” Our responsibility is to make sure they do it to the best of engineering standards and contract specifications, and that is what I have empowered you to do on behalf of this ministry. Do that without fear or favour” he said.
