Two major contractors handling the #30 million Naira renovations work at the Police Children's School at the Police Barracks, Otop Abasi in Cross River State, have allegedly accused of using inferior materials for the job. Investigations revealed, Messrs Inflow and Howet (Nig) Limited. Inflow (Nig) limited, handled the renovation work of the main building while Howet (Nig) limited work at the bore-hole.

Sources close to the School said the on-going renovation of the school is as a result of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the nation is currently pursuing. Our source further said that, 12 of such Police Schools in the country benefited from this programme with two in each geo-political zone.

Inflow (Nig) Limited owned by a retired ACP Oyelowo of C Department Works, is handling the renovation of the building while the drilling of bore-hole is handled by Howet (Nig) limited. Investigations carried out by this Newspaper shows that the contractor handling the renovation of the building had allegedly failed to adhere to the bill of quantity.

Out of the entire bill of quantity, it was gathered that “only the roofing was carried out according to specification with 1.5 metre long span zinc. Other specifications which were not met are as follows, woods not treated, indiscriminate changing of ceiling, no alumaco slide windows/nets and non-replacement of rail as well as burglary proofs.

The contractor according to our findings, instead of putting new burglary proofs and rails as specified, the contractor, “cutting and joining” against what is in the bill of quantity.” When our correspondent visited the site, it was discovered that the contractors had stopped work and there was nobody to talk to. An insider had hinted that the concept was that “all Police Schools in the geo-political zone must have the same design throughout the country.”

On the issue of bore-hole, our investigation shows that instead of using the specified 9 inch blocks to build the platform, what was being used was 6 inch blocks with inferior iron rod to carry the tank. When contacted, the site supervisor said that he was going to change the existing tank, but that the same blocks used in Port Harcourt and Owerri is what is being used here, in Calabar.

Confirming the story, the Head Teacher, Police Children's School, Calabar, Mr. Paulinus Ojie, said “I have approached the contractors on this development but it appears they are adamant.” He declared “as the head teacher, I am saying that they should do the right thing as is done in Lagos and other benefiting states. Why should Cross River State be different?”

Mr. Ojie, said that the contractors had claimed that they have nothing to do with the Educational Officer who is representing the Inspector-General of Police. Meanwhile, the Force Educational Officer, DCP Mbu J. Mbu, in-charge of Police Schools, is currently visiting all the states to supervise the ongoing projects.