By Ogochukwu Isioma, in Benin City
The Edo State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Project Support Unit (PSU), on Monday, embarked on an extensive inspection of various development projects across the state.
The inspection, led by the Director General/Focal Person of the State SDGs-PSU, Hon. Julius Ogieva-Okunbor, focused on assessing the impact, functionality, and sustainability of some projects executed between 2017 and 2019.
The team visited key locations, including Ekae Primary School, Evboriaria Market, and Ugbor Market, uncovering a mix of successful interventions and pressing challenges that require urgent attention.
At Ekae Primary School in Oredo local government area, the SDGs team discovered that the two blocks of classroom constructed under the initiative were the only fully functional buildings, while other classroom structures remained abandoned and dilapidated.
While receiving the Hon. Ogieva-Okunbor and his SDGs team, the school management emphasized the need for additional classroom blocks to accommodate the growing student population.
Despite the provision of double-seater desks and chairs, poor maintenance and misuse have led to the destruction of many desks. The team also identified security challenges, including vandalism of burglary proofs, window covers, and doors.
It was also discovered that the school’s six-compartment toilet facility was underutilized due to the vandalization of the borehole water system, which has rendered sanitation efforts ineffective.
Speaking at the school premises, Hon. Ogieva-Okunbor ordered urgent restoration of the water supply and enhanced security measures to protect school infrastructure.
“It is disheartening and worrisome to see that some of our efforts have been undermined by vandalism and poor management,” Hon. Ogieva-Okunbor lamented.
“Development is a shared responsibility—our communities must take ownership of these projects and protect them for future generations,” the SDGs boss noted.
The inspection at Evboriaria Market in Ikpoba-Okha local government area revealed serious misuse of sanitation facilities. A toilet complex intended for public convenience had been converted into a storage facility, a violation of its intended purpose.
The SDGs DG, therefore, directed market authorities to restore the facility for proper use and promised a follow-up visit to ensure compliance.
“The state government will not relent in its drive to ensure that public facilities are well maintained and used for their rightful purpose,” he said.
However, the borehole water scheme at the market was found to be in good working condition, serving traders and visitors effectively.
At Ugbor Market in Oredo local government area, the inspection team observed a well-maintained borehole system that currently helps to improve sanitation in the market.
Some traders who spoke commended Hon. Ogieva-Okunbor for the inspection, while appealing for additional toilet facilities to reduce open defecation.
They also appealed to the SDGs DG for the construction of modern market stalls and erosion control measures to prevent further environmental degradation in the area.
Responding, Hon. Ogieva-Okunbor reiterated the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to sustainable development in the state.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has demonstrated an unshakable commitment to sustainable development in our dear state,” the SDGs DG said.
“Through his leadership, we are expanding access to quality education, improving sanitation, and enhancing market infrastructure, ensuring that no community is left behind.”
Meanwhile, following the successful inspection exercise, the SDGs boss, Hon. Julius Ogieva-Okunbor, has outlined several measures to improve project sustainability.
For Ekae Primary School, the SDGs-PSU will embark on immediate restoration of the vandalized borehole system, repairs to the toilet facility, reconstruction of abandoned classrooms, and better management of school furniture.
At Evboriaria Market, the SDGs team will implement a strict enforcement of the proper use of toilet facilities and continuous monitoring of the water scheme.
While at Ugbor, the SDGs-PSU under Hon. Julius Ogieva-Okunbor will oversee the expansion of sanitation projects to other markets and implementation of erosion control measures.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection exercise, the SDGs Director-General called on residents to support the Governor Okpebholo-led Edo state government’s vision of sustainable development.
“Development is not just about government action; it requires community participation,” he said, urging market leaders, school authorities, and stakeholders to partner with SDGs in sustaining the projects.
He, however, assured that the SDGs-PSU, under his leadership, would continue monitoring progress and provide necessary interventions to ensure the long-term success of these projects.
“This inspection is not just about identifying challenges—it is about finding solutions. We will escalate the concerns raised, especially in the education and sanitation sectors, and work towards necessary interventions,” the SDGs boss assured.
