In a recent interview with Daily Post Newspaper, former Commissioner for Lands in Cross River State, Etubom Bassey Eyo Ndem, shared his insights on the controversy surrounding Governor Bassey Otu’s plan to renovate the Governor’s office in Calabar at an estimated cost of between N3 billion and N5 billion. While critics have raised concerns about the expense, Ndem, who is also an architect, shed light on the matter.
Ndem said that without access to the Scope of Work, Drawings, or Bill of Quantities, making a definitive costing is challenging. However, he emphasized that in today’s currency exchange rate, N5 billion is roughly equivalent to $5 million. He compared this to a neighboring state governor’s lodge, which cost a staggering $56 million (N56 billion) to construct from scratch. Thus, renovating a government office complex for less than 10% of that amount doesn’t seem extravagant.
Responding to concerns that funds should be allocated elsewhere, Ndem reminded us that every government has its priorities. He stressed that the Governor’s office complex also houses hundreds of government employees who endure deplorable working conditions. Renovating the complex is vital to providing government workers with a safe and conducive environment.
Ndem explained that the renovation cost of N3 billion to N5 billion will be divided into phases over multiple months. Ndem emphasized the benefits of improving Cross River State’s image and providing a clean and safe workspace for government employees. He also compared the conditions of police barracks to those of the Governor’s office.
He mentioned that the renovation is being done pro bono, raising concerns about contractor exploitation. Ndem explained that pro bono work isn’t unusual and has been carried out by various professionals as a public service act. He noted that contractors taking on pro bono work assume the risk of not having a formal contract and potentially losing out in case of disputes.
Ndem stressed that the work’s quality and quantity would be decided by the Commissioner and their team or government-appointed consultants. He urged patience to see if the newly appointed Commissioners can ensure accountability and responsibility. The renovation of the Governor’s office complex is seen as a necessary investment in infrastructure and employee well-being. While pro bono work may pose risks for contractors, oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure quality and value.
