BY DIANA OLUWOLE /DAVIS OBOJOBO
AS part of efforts to ensure contractors deliver quality jobs in line with agreed specifications and timelines, the Director-General of the Delta State Revenue, Monetary, Tracking and Audit Agency, Chief Mike Edegware, has vowed to intensify monitoring of all state government projects and uncover any abandoned or poorly executed contracts.
Edegware, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen, said the move is in line with the MORE Agenda of the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, aimed at ensuring that Deltans get full value for government expenditure.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori has shown remarkable commitment to infrastructural development, executing over 500 projects across the State within just two years in office. He noted that such a large volume of work necessitates proper monitoring, which led to the establishment of the Revenue, Monetary, Tracking and Audit Agency.
“The Governor is a meticulous and visionary leader with zero tolerance for substandard jobs. It is our responsibility as an agency to ensure contractors execute projects strictly according to specification and within the stipulated timeframe,” he stated.
He emphasized that the agency under his leadership will not spare any contractor found to be cutting corners or abandoning projects, regardless of their status or connections.
The DG further revealed that the agency would soon unveil a whistleblower policy to encourage public participation in exposing corruption and project sabotage, adding that incentives will be attached to genuine reports made by citizens.
“We are also working on a framework that allows us to track, investigate, and recover diverted funds meant for public projects. This is a core part of our mandate, and we are determined to carry it out without fear or favour,” he said.
Edegware, who previously served as Secretary to the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, disclosed that the agency would collaborate with President Generals of various communities across the state to effectively monitor and report on ongoing government projects.
He urged all contractors handling state projects to deliver quality work that will stand the test of time, warning that the agency will take decisive action against any act of negligence or misappropriation.
