The Benue State Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has opened the bidding process for the provision of solar-powered boreholes for communities receiving intervention from the ACReSAL Project. Declaring the ceremony open on Thursday at the Conference Hall of Benue ACReSAL Project Office, Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof. Moses Ogbaji assured bidders of transparency in the bid process in line with universal best practices.
He expressed satisfaction with the Benue ACReSAL team led by the Project Coordinator, Bldr. Victor Ama and encouraged them to intensify efforts in the fight against climate change making sure that the target of the ACReSAL Project is achieved and the people of the state feel the impact.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Benue ACReSAL, Bldr. Victor Ama who disclosed that 3 contractors bided for the project, added that the State Project Management Unit in conjunction with relevant stakeholders would follow all necessary guidelines as entrenched in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations in analyzing bids as it was the case with similar events in the past to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability.
He cautioned bidders against submission of forged company documents as they would be verified and offenders reported to the appropriate authorities for sanctions.
On her part, the Executive Director of the Non-Governmental Organization, Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative (ECCAI), Mrs. Victoria Esa was elated that the bid process was transparently carried out and enjoined bidders to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, adding that every competition was bound to produce a winner. While congratulating the would-be victor, she implored those who would lose to apply for future bids as they would likely be winners.
The event drew attendance from members of the Steering and Technical Committees of Benue ACReSAL, staff of the State Project Management Unit, CSO, representative companies, and other members of the public.