SGF demands transparency in execution of constituency projects
SGF demands transparency in execution of constituency projects
NAN-H-14
Projects
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2017 (NAN) Dr Habiba Lawal, Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Thursday called for transparency in the execution of constituency projects to ensure widespread development in the country.
Lawal, represented by Mr William Alo, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), made the call at the 3rd Stakeholders Forum on Implementation of Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders at the event included representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She said that the forum was organised to allow stakeholders brainstorm on mechanism that would fast track the implementation of constituency projects.
Lawal added that stakeholders would fertilise ideas on effective procedure for monitoring, evaluation and verification for payment purposes of the projects to forestall poor or non-implementation of these projects.
“Constituency projects is a noble one conceived to assist members of the National Assembly as elected representatives of the people to facilitate development of their constituencies.
“Thus, if they are executed with all amount of sincerity by the stakeholders, they would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.
“This task may not be easy but we shall not leave any stone unturned to ensure that this dream is realised,” she said.
According to her, the MDAs are responsible for the actual implementation of these projects while the OSGF monitors, evaluate, verify implementation and authorise payments at various stages of execution.
She added that the contractors handling constituency projects would only be paid upon authorisation by the OSGF.
However, the acting SGF noted that constituency projects previously had not being properly monitored, adding that there will be a turn around because these are tax payers money that must be accounted for.
The Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, OSGF, Mr William Alo, said that his office was currently charged to oversee the implementation of zonal/constituency projects.
Alo, who was represented by Mrs Annette Asugha, the Director, Policy Implementation and Monitoring Decisions, OSGF, added that a committee has been set up to ensure adequate monitoring.
“A strong committee has been set up and has the duty to visit all project sites wherever it is located.
“Visiting the sites is a daily affair and they monitor the projects closely from conception to completion.
“When this is fine the value for money for these projects must be achieved,” he said.
He called for collaboration between the MDAs and National Assembly to effectively deliver the benefits of the projects to the citizenry. (NAN)
KTE/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola