Yenagoa—Screening of the first batch of commissioner- nominees by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly began, Tuesday, with nominees alleging that contractors disappeared from project sites after money was collected while the jobs were  not executed.

A nominee, Prince Opukiri  Ere, who was the former Commissioner for Sports, while responding to questions on the deplorable state of facilities at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, said that some contractors, who were mobilised or paid up front for projects failed to deliver and absconded with the money.

He said that a  contractor was paid N120 million for the erection of modern flood lights at the stadium but failed to execute the project.

Two other contractors were also indicted by the former  commissioner for failing to execute jobs awarded them.

He said that these developments were what hindered the provision of vital sporting facilities that could enhance development of sport in the state.

He added that efforts were on to make failed contractors accounts for money paid to them.

“Three contractors had absconded with mobilisation funds and  abandoned the flood light, swimming pool and tartan tracks projects for the Sports Complex. We had written and will soon forward their files for prosecution.”

Jones-Ere noted that a renewed plan had been drawn by the Ministry of Sports for the recruitment of talents and bidding for the hosting rights of the 2016 National Sports Festival.

Meanwhile,  a bill seeking to establish the state anti-graft agency is before the Assembly with a view to making public officers and contractors who failed to implement projects for which they were mobilised to face the law.

Also answering questions from the lawmakers, the former Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Sylva Opuala-Charles,  said though the global financial meltdown affected the finances of the state, the adoption of a bottom to top approach in the management of the state had placed the state in a commendable rating in the world.

Opuala-Charles said despite achieving a good fitch rating and increasing the stock of the state with a new budget template, the state was expected to achieve more if the proper and needed legal backing were provided, “with our 93 per cent of revenue and public sector base, the major challenge for the administration is to achieve economic diversification and attract foreign investments.”