Despite the persistent rainfall in Akwa Ibom State, contractors handling construction works by Seplat Energy for host communities in the state are working to meet the target time of delivery given to them.
Seplat Energy under its joint venture programme with NNPC are executing projects across the seven catchment areas of Eket, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Ibeno, Esit Eket, Mbo, Eastern Obolo, local government areas of the state through the management committee called EMOIMEE (as host community trust fund) an acronym for the seven host communities which is in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)
When the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) , a Civil Society Organisation committed to promoting good governance, rule of law and holding public office holders accountable visited some sites over the weekend, the contractors expressed hope to meet the deadline irrespective of rains.
In an interview, Engr Abasiodiong Edo, the structural Engineer of GIG Global, the company handling the construction of four numbers of new classroom block office with ICT, Library, Renovation of classroom block, construction of two bedroom flat, staff quarters, perimeter fencing and gate house, toilets and borehole at Bishop Grimes Primary School Ninya Atak community in Mkpat Enin local government said the project which has gone 40% is expected to be completed by October, 2025.
He, however complained about the persistent rains in the state which according to him could affect the target month of completion
Also Engr Bldr Danlami, the site Engineer of JAPENO Services Limited, a contracting firm handling the perimeter fencing of cottage hospital Ikot Ekpaw, in Mkpat Enin who was seen at the site complained about the constant rains saying that though he was mobilized late to site, rains were the major problem affecting the speed of the work.
He noted that the company was given three months to complete the job expressing hope that they would meet up with the time.
Other places visited were a 69 year old QIC Secondary Commercial School Ikot Obong Minya with renovation of six-classrooms block and office, library and QIC Commercial School in Minya, A. M. E Zion Primary School Ikot Abia/Ekpuk where perimeter fence, water project, staff quarters and six-classrooms block were ongoing
Others were ongoing 16 open shops project at Ikot Abia and Cottage Hospital still in Ikot Abia which has renovated ward space among others.
Meanwhile, the Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong said the decision of the organisation to carry out an independent monitoring of the projects executed by Seplat Energy with EMOIMEE as executing committee was to check and verify the extent of the projects and by extension, ensure accountability in the delivery of good governance by Seplat Energy through EMOIMEE in Mkpat Enin.
The visits also provided ample opportunities for CHRAN to assess the activities to appraise the performance of EMOIMEE after two years of existence as trust fund operated by Seplat Energy for host community development.
Also speaking, the Non-executive member of EMOIMEE, Mkpat Enin branch, Revd Obot Ekanem, who was the tour guide, commended CHRAN for its decision to have an on the spot assessment of the projects in different locations of Mkpat Enin and interfaced with contractors handling the various projects.
He noted that such move would engender accountability and transparency in the funds spent in each project as well as make contractors to work with specifications.
Obot also applauded youths of Mkpat-Enin for their level of peace and cooperation with contractors and urged them to ensure that the projects sited in their communities are protected even as he assured them that more projects shall be sited after conducting Needs assessment.
