Chinedum Treasure
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Anambra state has commenced its Phase 8b of Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise
in the State.
Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Group (CEPTG) Team Lead, Nzebunachi Chukwuma told newsmen on Thursday that the exercise which started on Tuesday, August 18, 2023 would cover 19 projects across the three senatorial zones in the state with the cost aggregate worth over N1billion.
He said the essence of the initiative which started in 2019 is to facilitate good governance, transparency and accountability through proper implementation of government projects across the country, in line with the Commission’s preventive and enforcement mandates.
He said, “This is an intiative of the Commission to monitor the execution of constituency projects by lawmakers and government agencies across the states.
“The program is also developed to remove opaqueness in the projects awarded on behalf of lawmakers and ensure transparency in the execution.
“It’s also to ensure that value for the money expended is realized, ensure secrecy, diversion of funds and other forms of corruption in the execution are reduced to the barest minimum as well as ensure end users get benefits for the services.
“In Anambra, we’ll be tracking 19 projects across the three senatorial zones and federal Constituencies in the state.
“These projects range from water scheme to empowerment as well as construction of roads and schools.
The team lead further revealed that the exercise expected to last for 7 days is happening simultaneously in 21 states of the country.
“The projects are randomly selected by a steering committee so the Commission is not seen as being vindictive.
“The committee consist of the Federal Budget Office, Accountant General of the Federation, staff of the commission in partnership with Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors who value the projects to ensure what is expended is commensurate with the work executed,” he added.
Expressing joy over tremendous successes the exercise had recorded in the state over the years, Nzebunachi listed some of the achievements to include recovery of values of unexecuted projects as well as funds which could be re-appropriated for better projects.
“Some of the lawmakers and contractors have been directed to return to site to complete their projects while those found guilty have faced prosecution,” Nzebunachi revealed.
About Author
