The rate of inconsistencies in evaluation and cost of projects being executed by the Imo state government have further exposed the sharp practices bedeviling the government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
This time, the promised Pre-cast model type of primary schools to be built across the 305 electoral wards is pitching the state government against some contractors who are APC members over variations in the award and execution of the contract as well the missing 27m in each of the school block project valued at N45m.
Trumpeta learnt that Roche who initially got the job of building the pre-cast type of school block in each of the ward did the project at the rate of N45m per building. However, when governor Okorocha decided to stop Roche and hand it over to political leaders in APC as means of empowerment, the amount moved from N45m per building to N21m and N22m. For those who had Roche foundation before the Irish company was stopped, the contract was handed over to them at the cost of N21, while those without Roche Foundation got N22m for the contract which Roche had received N45m for execution.
The school projects which was more of an empowerment to APC leaders and facilitators at the various LGAs however witnessed another jolt May this year when the governor reportedly brought down the cost to N 27m for those already penciled to get N21m and N18m for N22m. The further reduction of the cost is however causing confusion as the contractors are alleging rip off and sharp practices following the reduction in cost of executing the job.
Apart from the reduction in cost, the contractors are raising alarm and demanding where the N27m amount gained if N17m is removed from the total package of N45m.
Trumpeta learnt that a special syndicate may have allegedly pocketed the amount of 27m each from the 305 school projects.
While pointing accusing fingers at some quarters over the alleged discrepancies, the contractors threatened to abandon the jobs and make the August month end date unrealistic since the money made available does not correspondent with what Roche was offered for completion of the projects.
