Commission lauds FG’s project achievements in Ondo
Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), on Monday, lauded the level of some Federal Government’s projects in Ondo State, saying it was encouraging.
Special Adviser to the FRC Chairman, Mr Chris Uwadoka, gave the commendation in Akure after the commission’s 2023 capital project verification in the state.
This medium understands that the commission inspected the construction of infectious disease/isolation ward as well as accident and emergency complex in the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Others were: Geriatric Care Centre in Oka-Akoko and office complex of Nigerian Immigration Service, Ondo State command, Akure, both of which are also under construction.
“Here, we have seen an attempt to complete the accident and emergency complex which is an important project, because the existing one is overstretched.
“It is necessary that the complex is completed when the money is available so that the community and the country can get value for it.
“We also saw isolation ward. If patients are not being treated there, the highly-infectious disease would be dangerous to the society.
“We saw something novel in Oka-Akoko, and that is the geriatric centre that has been completed. It is for the aged who have nobody to support them.
“We are pleased with what we have seen and we will make our recommendations when we get back,” he said.
Uwadoka described the NIS as laudable, saying that it would further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the personnel.
“We have responsibility to ensure that there is value for money in our expenditure.
“The Federal Ministry of Finance will give us the expenditure framework report and we just pick up samples of the projects there and ensure that they truly exist.
“It is about budget performance and the percentage of completion of those projects.
“We also look at whether the projects follow due process, as stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act,” he said.
He said that the verification was to allow checks and balances for the country to move forward.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of FMC, Owo, Dr Ahmed Adeagbo, said that the complex, when completed, would enhance the treatment of more patients, especially those on emergency.
“This hospital is well-located; it’s between Abuja and Lagos, and people move between the two cities. Based on this, we have lot of patients coming in for emergency; that is why the project is important to us.
“Where we are currently using is very small, thus making it difficult for our patients to get them the best service.
Also speaking, the Controller of NIS, Ondo State command, Mrs Bosede Olufunmilayo, said that the office project was to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the personnel.