RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT KICKS OFF STATEWIDE REHABILITATION OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The rehabilitation  and equipment of Primary Schools in Rivers State will take place in all 23 local government areas of the state, according to the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ven. Fyneface Akah.

Ven Akah, who stated this recently at the bid opening for the renovation of Primary Schools in the State, stated that the decision to ensure that the renovation and equipment of Primary Schools cuts across all the LGAs was in accordance with the directive of the State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“Governor Wike has directed the SUBEB to renovate and equip primary schools in rural areas in the 23 LGAs”, he said.

He explained that the Governor’s directive was sequel to an appeal by the new Board to the Governor to make fund available through the Federal Government’s counterpart fund contribution to enable the Board carry out its functions towards the development of the educational sector of the state.

“The Board made the appeal and His Excellency, being educational friendly, approved our proposal, sourced for the fund, which attracted the Federal portion of the funds,” he said.

The SUBEB boss, explained further that there were a total of 252 bidders. for the job of renovating and equipping the schools from 2014 to 2016.
A breakdown of the number revealed that 83 bidded in 2014, 61 for 2015 and 108 for 2016.
On the duration of the contract, Ven Akah said successful bidders would be required to deliver the project  in three months.

“The successful bidders are expected o complete the renovation work within three months, according to specifications”, he concluded.
While corroborating the Board Chairman, the Commissioner in charge of projects in the Board, Barr. Opuada Willie Pepple, emphasized that the Board’s mandates did not include building of new primary schools.
“The SUBEB will not be building new primary schools, but to renovate the existing ones in the state, and provide furniture and equipment in them”, he said.