Plateau State Executive Council has approved a new contractor for the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects following the termination of the contract with the previous contractor.
This was one of the decisions taken at the end of the Executive Council Meeting held at the Council Chambers of the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos and presided over by Governor Simon Bako Lalong.
Briefing newsmen after the Executive Council Meeting, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Mr. Kenneth Horlong who stood in for the Commissioner of Finance said the new contractor Mssrs United Integrated Construction Company was given the contract at the sum of 26.6 billion naira with a completion period of 32 weeks.
He said the projects which include 9 primary schools, 6 secondary schools and 6 hospitals, are world standard and located across the 17 local government areas of the State.
He said to ensure that the project is completed according to specifications, three Zonal consultants and a management consultant have been appointed to closely monitor the work.
Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu said the Council also approved a draft Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Investment Promotion Agency (PSIPA) which will merge the activities of the Plateau PPP Agency and the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC).
Ahmadu said the Agency will not duplicate or conflict with the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company whose functions are to manage the existing investments of the State while the PSIPA is to attract investors into the State and enable them expand their businesses.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Hosea Finangwai said the State EXCO also approved the Plateau State Agricultural Policy and Implementation Plan 2022-2027 as well as a draft Bill for the establishment of the Rural Access Roads Agency and State Road Fund and Board.
Commissioner for Education Secondary Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission Draft Bill approved by the Council will go a long way in boosting the fortunes of women particularly the girl-child that needs opportunities for education, empowerment and employment.
Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Barnard Matur said the completion of the legacy projects which include many schools will be very helpful in changing the narrative of the State and its citizens.
He said the issue of security was also discussed with far reaching actions to be taken to enhance safety of the citizens of the State.