By TWE News Desk

The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has opened the bidding process for 286 civil works  and 24 water and sanitation projects across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The bid opening, which took place on May 7 at the SUBEB headquarters in Jos, covers projects for the 1^st to 4^th quarters of 2023 and 2024.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Plateau SUBEB, Hon. Sunday Samuel Amuna, said the projects are spread across all LGAs  and include new construction, classroom renovations, borehole drilling, and perimeter fencing.

“It is across the 17 local government areas of the state. Every local government has a number of projects, either new construction or renovation of classrooms and the sinking of boreholes  for learners in the classrooms,” Amuna said.

He emphasized that the goal is not just to provide structures but to ensure the learning environment is conducive. “ At the end of it, the newly constructed or renovated classrooms will be furnished with desks and chairs for the comfort of the learner. We are not building structures where children will go and sit on the floor,” he said.

Hon. Amuna appreciated the state governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang  for the release of the marching funds totalling  about 4 billion nine hundred million naira for the projects and assured that the funds would be properly accounted for.

He assured that the contractor would be fully paid when those who mobilize to site  are able to complete their work on time. “We are ready. The payment is 100 % domiciled with us,” he said.

In a bid to ensure transparency, civil society groups, the Independent corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), the media and security agents were present to witness the process. Participants were ushered into the strong room where the bid box had been securely kept, before it was taken to an open space within the SUBEB premises for the public bid opening.

There, bid lots and contract sums were ceremoniously announced in front of stakeholders.

Chairman of the Plateau Indigenous Contractors Forum, Daniel  Sule, lauded the transparency of the process. “The bid was advertised  six weeks ago, and what we witnessed today is very transparent. We hope they will do proper analysis and that successful bidders will emerge,” he said.

He added, “once successful bidders emerge, we will collaborate with the engineering department to ensure the best is delivered.”

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from the Plateau State Forum of Local Contractors, the Ministry of Justice, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All ( CSACEFA), the Executive Secretary of UBEC, and the Commissioner for Education.

Representing Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Miriam Gizo, an Administrative Officer with Plateau UBEC, who stood in for the Coordinator Plateau UBEC, Aisha Garba, emphasized the importance of the project, describing it as a joint federal and state government intervention. She commended the Plateau State Government for providing the required counterpart funding and praised Hon. Amuna for meeting all conditions to access the fund.

“ Today is an important day for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention fund,” she said. “The project is a long-term investment and a rigorous process. We urge the board never to give up even when challenges arise. Contractors must ensure they use only materials specified in their bill of quantity and complete the project on time. UBEC and SUBEB will monitor the project closely,’ she added.

Gizo assured that contractors who deliver quality work would be considered for future engagements, while those fail to adhere to standards would face sanctions. “All contract ethics are contained in the contract document. There will be no tolerance for low- quality work,” she warned.

The board said the scope of projects includes 122 for constructions, 161 renovations, 24 water and sanitation initiatives, and other critical works like perimeter fencing.

Contractors were advised to attend the bid opening and strictly follow due diligence.

The Plateau SUBEB has emphasized the importance of strict compliance with all activities and warned contractors and staff that any compromise on quality would result in severe consequences, including imprisonment, as stipulated in Section 58 of the Procurement Act. The board reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the successful completion of these educational infrastructure projects.