By Egede Sylvester
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts remains steadfast in its commitment to accountability and prudent resource management. The committee continued its budget tracking initiative with a focus on financial and physical observations, summoning three key ministries: Housing and Urban Development, Solid Mineral Development, and Skill Development and Job Creation, for an interactive session to assess their compliance with allocated responsibilities.
In his address to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri, commended the state governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his dedication to the People’s Charter of Needs. This initiative has resulted in the construction of housing estates in Izzo and Amaeze communities within Ishielu Local Government Area. Hon. Abiri praised contractors who have completed their projects but issued a stern warning to those lagging behind, urging them to expedite their work or face legal repercussions.
Hon. Chikezie Igu, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, and Hon. Friday Ogbuewu pressed the Housing Commissioner to provide detailed explanations about the ministry’s ongoing activities. Responding, Engr. Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, reported that 74 out of 140 housing units at Izzo and Amaeze have been completed, with the remaining 66 at various stages of completion.
At the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, Hon. Abiri emphasized the critical role of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and criticized negligent miners in Ameka Community, Ezza South Local Government Area, for ignoring safety precautions, leading to the destruction of school buildings near the mining site. Commissioner Chidi Onyia assured the committee of the ministry’s commitment to improving IGR.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Job Creation was also scrutinized, with Hon. Abiri questioning the extent of job creation efforts and demanding a breakdown of income and expenditures from the allocated budget. Commissioner Okwu Oko Odu acknowledged the committee’s concerns, stating that the ministry’s renewed efforts would be evident in its upcoming initiatives.
The Public Accounts Committee reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring transparency and efficiency in budget execution across all ministries.