Ebonyi Govt arrests contractor for using substandard material

By Agbo Sunday, Abakaliki

The executive council committee established by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to oversee the construction of 39 modern schools across the state’s three zones has apprehended a site engineer, Mr Zyl Okafor, for allegedly using inferior materials.

The chairman of the committee and State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Richard Ugo-Idike, issued the directive during an inspection, stating that contractors working on projects in Onicha and Ohaozara local government areas were failing to adhere to contractual agreements.

The committee condemned the contractors’ negligence and slow progress on the projects in these areas. As a result, it ordered the arrest of Zyl Okafor, a site engineer at Ebia Oshiri Comprehensive Secondary School in Onicha Local Government Area, for alleged fraudulent practices and the use of substandard materials in construction.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the committee leader stated, “We are disappointed with all the contractors in these two local government areas. Their lack of seriousness is evident. At this rate, they would not be able to complete this project even in two years.”

Meanwhile, the committee commended the quality of work at Kpakpaji High School in Ezzama, encouraging the contractor to maintain the standard.

All contractors responsible for projects in Onicha and Ohaozara Council Areas have been summoned to appear before the committee with their work plans by 10 AM on Wednesday at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Block 9, Centenary City, Abakaliki.