GOVERNMENT PROJECT DELAYS BLAMED ON TECHNOCRATS AND POLITICIANS WORK RELATIONSHIP GLITCHES

District councilors taken through oversight roles in project monitoring

By Anyidi Emmanuel

Moyo

Moyo District councilors have expressed mixed reactions over challenges affecting the effective implementation of district development projects, particularly infrastructure projects such as road construction and classroom blocks.

The councilors say disagreements between elected leaders and technocrats continue to affect service delivery. They note that while councilors seek clarification and accountability on project implementation, some technocrats perceive their oversight as interference in their work.

Drajuruga Isaac, the District Councilor representing Otce Sub-county, says councilors are willing to work closely with technocrats to ensure the successful implementation of government projects.

Kejia Leila, the Councilor for Lefori Town Council, echoed the concern, saying it is unfortunate that their oversight role is often misunderstood as interference with the work of technical officers.

“Between the councilors and technocrats, once they collide, which means our eyes went on wrong things, if we want to correct it, that’s where conflicts will come in, for example roads, specifically in my area of jurisdiction.”

Similarly, Bada Emmanuel Nunu, the Councilor for Moyo Sub-county, cited variations in project implementation as one of the factors contributing to disagreements between councilors and technical staff.

“In my sub-county, if you have four classroom blocks and it has been reduced to two and a half, do I need expertise to challenge this?” he asked.

However, the Moyo Chief Administrative Officer, Okumu James Bedijo, has urged technocrats to respect the oversight role of elected political leaders, saying cooperation between the two sides is essential for effective service delivery.

“As technocrats, let us leave politicians to do their oversight role. We should desist from unnecessary interference for better service delivery.”

With district development projects requiring effective coordination between political leaders and technical officers, stakeholders are now being encouraged to strengthen communication and respect each other’s roles.

The councilors say constructive oversight should be used to promote accountability, while technocrats are expected to provide the necessary technical guidance to ensure projects are implemented according to approved standards and plans.