Lalong explains quality of education, health facilities in Plateau

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has explained his administration’s emphasis on pro-poor quality education and healthcare facilities, warning that any contractor that compromises quality would be sanctioned.

The governor, who made the assertion at the weekend when he led the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Danladi Atu, and some commissioners on inspection tour of some signature projects, stressed that timely completion of projects would reduce asset depreciation.

Top on the list of projects inspected by the governor were the 200-bed capacity General Hospital at Barkin Ladi and the Lamingo Pilot Primary School in Jos North Council.

While commending the steady progress of work at the primary school, Governor Lalong disclosed that most of the classrooms, which were at 70 percent completion stage, would after furnishing accommodate 500 pupils.

He said his administration decided on the Lamingo Pilot Primary School to provide qualitative education to children of the poor that could not afford private schools, assuring: “We have vowed that we cannot fail to make quality education available to the children of the poor and under-privileged.

“Our administration believes that everyone should be taken care of, particularly the weak and vulnerable. When this school is completed, the standard will be so high and condition of learning so suitable that many will prefer to bring their children here than take them to private schools.”

He reminded the site manager, Paul Barde, of his directive that all public institutions, especially schools should be made friendly for physically challenged persons, maintaining that his administration’s belief in inclusivity as enshrined in the state’s disability law is not negotiable.

At the Barkin Ladi General Hospital, explained that the facility would be of global standard and equipped with the state of the art facilities, adding that when completed “the hospital will solve the healthcare needs of citizens in the local government and its environs.

The governor disclosed that although his administration inherited and completed many projects, it also initiated others that are ongoing, adding: “We have therefore selected some of them as Legacy Projects spread all over the state, including this one. Whatever is working elsewhere in the world, whether in education or health, we want to replicate them here on the Plateau for the benefit of our people.”

He promised to return in February 2020 to monitor the progress of work preparatory to its commissioning, adding that he was satisfied with the quality of work at the moment.

Governor Lalong also inspected on-going operation zero potholes rehabilitation of township roads, including the Rayfiled-Zarmaganda road, where he urged the contractor to deliver quality work and within stipulated time to reduce inconveniences to commuters and residents.

Earlier the contractor informed the governor that work has attained 60 per cent completion stage, assuring that by March 2020, the project will be handed over, since according to him, funds are released on time and the workers are very committed to the project.