PAY Lauds Alex Otti's Health Projects, Raises Concerns Over Contractor Performance

... WTGG assessment team hails upgraded facilities at Eziala Nsulu Health Centre, raises concern over equipment gaps and inconsistent project standards across Abia

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The Progressive Abia Youths (PAY), under the leadership of Mr. Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba has commended Governor Alex Otti's administration for its impressive strides in strengthening primary healthcare delivery across Abia State.

The commendation came after a rigorous and on-site inspection of 80 Primary Health Care Centers across the state, conducted under the group's flagship initiative - Walk to Good Governance (#WtGG).

The WTGG project, supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, is designed to monitor, assess, and promote effective public service delivery in key sectors such as healthcare and basic education across Abia State.

The PAY assessment team described the Eziala Nsulu Health Centre as fit for purpose due to the upgrade and functional facility that reflects the government's commitment to accessible and quality healthcare.
According to the report, the building structure and medical equipment at the facility meet the standards expected of a modern primary healthcare center.

However, the team highlighted three critical gaps - the absence of standard residential staff quarters, 24-hour electricity, and a functional borehole, which are essential for ensuring 24-hour healthcare service and clean water supply.

At the Umuomaiukwu Primary Healthcare Center, the #WtGG team observed that while the structure is completed and water supply functional, the facility lacks essential medical equipment such as hospital beds. The staff quarters were also found in a dilapidated and abandoned state, making it difficult for healthcare workers to reside on-site or respond promptly to emergencies.

PAY's Recommendations to Abia Government

In their official report, the Progressive Abia Youths commended Governor Otti for the visible progress made so far, particularly the equipping of facilities like the Eziala Nsulu Health Center.
They, however, urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive review of contractors' performances, emphasizing that the quality of work varied across projects.

"While some contractors delivered quality work, others merely patched up roofs or repainted old structures instead of replacing them,ÔÇØ the report stated. "For instance, at the Eziama Primary Healthcare Center in Ohafia Local Government Area, the contractor only patched a completely worn-out roof instead of replacing it entirely.ÔÇØ

Also, at 222 Clifford Road, the Primary Health Center was in a deplorable condition. Despite an alleged issue with an Assemblies of God Church within the vicinity, it's already on record that a contractor has been mobilized, and PAY wouldn't appreciate that the resources are wasted

PAY called on the Ministry of Health and relevant supervising agencies to enforce strict project quality control measures, ensure repair of staff quarters, and supply medical equipment to under-equipped centers.

So far, the group said it has visited 80 Primary Healthcare Centers across the 17 LGAs and plans to expand its monitoring coverage as part of the Walk to Good Governance Project.

"Governor Alex Otti's administration is doing well with the ongoing renovation of Primary Health Care Centers, but ensuring consistent quality across all healthcare projects will make the difference between success and sustainability,ÔÇØ said PAY President, Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba.

[caption id="attachment_196563" align="alignnone" width="1067"] Mr. Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba[/caption]