The state of petroleum revenue-funded projects: A cause for concern
The recent visits by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to various project sites funded with petroleum revenue have revealed a disturbing trend.
Advertisement
Many of the projects, intended to benefit local communities, are deteriorating at an alarming rate. This is unacceptable and warrants immediate attention from all stakeholders.
The situation is particularly disheartening given the current economic challenges facing our nation. As we grapple with the consequences of global events such as the Russian-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we prioritise the judicious use of our resources and cut waste in public spending.
Nana Kweku Dei, a member of the committee, has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of many of the petroleum revenue-funded projects across the country.
After leading a delegation to inspect several project sites, the Development Chief of Pakro in the Eastern Region, stated, "I must say that I am not impressed with the current state of some of the projects funded from petroleum revenue, as they are deteriorating rapidly. Some are deteriorating, just two years after being handed over to us."
The inspected projects included the Bolgatanga-Naaga road, a Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, a nurses' accommodation at Sakaribisi, and an early childhood development centre at Animoah in the Bolgatanga East District.
Other projects inspected were an irrigation infrastructure at Tamne in the Garu District, upgrading of Paga town roads, supply of 25 hospital beds to the Paga Hospital, rehabilitation of Paga-Sirigu and other feeder roads and the construction of a three-unit classroom block at Bonia.
The PIAC's findings highlight the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, district assemblies and government officials. It is crucial that we work together to ensure proper monitoring and supervision of the projects to prevent the misuse of funds and ensure that they serve the intended purpose.
The deterioration of petroleum revenue-funded projects raises questions about the quality of workmanship and materials used in their construction. It is essential to ensure that contractors and consultants adhere to strict standards and specifications to guarantee the longevity of the projects.
Lack of maintenance and supervision of the projects can have severe consequences on the environment and the health of residents. For instance, a deteriorated healthcare facility can compromise the quality of care provided, while a poorly maintained irrigation system can lead to water pollution.
The Daily Graphic is of the view that as a country we must rethink our approach to investing petroleum revenue after more than a decade of experimenting with the current approach.
Rather than dispensing funds on multiple small projects, we should focus on major infrastructural initiatives that benefit larger communities. This approach will yield greater dividends for our nation and ensure that the investments stand the test of time.
The Daily Graphic endorses Nana Kweku Dei’s appeal for effective collaboration among all stakeholders in the monitoring and supervision of projects. He aptly noted,
"As a country, we cannot continue to invest huge sums of petroleum revenue funds in projects that cannot stand the test of time."
Let us work together to safeguard these investments for future generations and ensure that they contribute meaningfully to our nation's development.