…as water projects in the Odo-Oja (Ikere); Erijiyan/Ikogosi, Ire and Iyin are to be upgraded
Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities,
Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, has assured Contractors who have signified interest in bidding for the upgrading of three advertised water supply schemes in the State unMeeting Sustainable Urban Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programmes of a fair and transparent bidding process that is without favor or bias.
Prof Aluko gave the assurance during a pre-bidding clarification meeting with contractors in Ado-Ekiti .
He explained that the goal
of the pre bidding clarification meeting was meant to explain the technicalities and scope of the projects and to also assure contractors interested that, contracts for the upgrading of the water schemes located at Odo-Oja Community in Ikere Ekiti, Erijiyan/Ikogosi, and Iyin Ekiti would be awarded
to the most competent and qualified bidders .
The Commissioner who emphasized the importance of a fair bidding process noted that this approach will help to achieve quality delivery, that will ultimately make the water schemes functional and sustainable, in line with the SURWASH Programme’s objectives and the vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to improve access to clean potable water in the state.
Aluko therefore urged the Contractors to be prepared to work according to the bidding process and deliver the jobs in line with the project specifications according to specifications noting that the most qualified would be selected and awarded as soon as the process is completed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi emphasized transparency in the selection process, and assured that only the most qualified bidders will emerge after proper documentation and due process for procurement evaluation.
The Permanent Secretary informed the Contractors that emphasis would be laid on proper documentation and due process, stressing that only those who have prerequisite qualifications should apply to avoid waste of time, efforts and resources.
In his remarks the General Manager of Ekiti State Small Town and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Agency (EKSTRUWASSHA), Mr Ayo Alegbeleye explained that the Agency focuses on underground Water, Sanitation, Boreholes and Mini Schemes.
He reiterated the commitments of this present administration to the welfare of its State, adding that money has been made available for the execution of these Schemes to be completed and delivered within 10 months of commencement.
Alegbeleye stated that any Contractors not performing to the expected standard, especially in compliance with the Environmental and Social safeguard rules,would not only be stopped, but blacklisted.
He added that SURWASH is a World-bank supported loan Program for Results (P for R) with specific standards for eligibility for disbursement of incentives.
Also speaking,the General Manager of Ekiti State Water Supply and Regulatory Agency WASRA, Engr. Ayo Osalade, said that the paramount objective is to ensure the proper execution and appropriate delivery to showcase Ekiti State as the best among the participating States of this program and for the people of the state to have adequate water.
He advised interested contractors to avoid looking for influence, rather encouraging them to meet up to mandatory requirements. He explained the need to sign an agreement form and register with the Ekiti State Government, EKSTRUWASSHA and WASTRA Agencies.
Finally, Engr. Olajide Olatiilu of EKSTRUWASSHA / State Program Implementation Units (SPIU ) while making his presentation, explained
the objectives of the pre-bidding clarification meeting to include: addressing questions and ambiguities; clarifying scope, specifications terms, and project requirements;
ensuring transparency; promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all the bidders; understanding project scope and milestones; and outlining timelines, deliverables, and expectations for the project.