Despite identifying irregularities in the execution of constituency projects in Benue State, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has remained silent on its findings. The stalled response from the anti-graft agency has left communities disillusioned with abandoned and malfunctioning projects, initially designed to bring clean water to underserved areas.
In 2021, a wave of optimism surged across the Kwande/Ushongo and Buruku federal constituencies of Benue State. Communities were promised motorized boreholes under the Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) funded by the federal government. These projects, allocated through the annual budget, were intended to address pressing needs in the region. Three years later, the reality is starkly different. Failed and incomplete water projects have left communities disheartened, while government accountability remains elusive.
Abandoned and Incomplete Projects
A visit by the Safer-Media Initiative (SMI) revealed widespread abandonment and substandard execution of the ZIP projects. Rather than the promised motorized boreholes, manual water pumps were installed in several locations. In other cases, boreholes were dug but left dry, unable to provide a single drop of water. The projects, funded as part of the 2021 budget, were supposed to deliver clean water to communities in desperate need, but a series of administrative and operational failures have left residents disappointed.
At project sites like LGEA Primary School Uyough, Koti Apera, Ushongo Market Square, NKST Church Kuhe, and Central Mosque Adikpo, residents of Kwande/Ushongo expressed frustration over the absence of functional boreholes. The situation was similar in Buruku Federal Constituency at sites in Tofi, Tse Gbor, and Gbaabo. While the projects were anticipated to relieve these communities’ water needs, they now represent wasted resources.
Community Frustration Over Failed Water Projects
In Mbaade-Buruku, residents’ initial excitement over the project has turned to bitterness. “We were hopeful this would solve our water problems, but it’s been nothing but a disappointment,” said Dooga Hanior from Tofi Community. The borehole meant to serve the community of over 5,000 people has been non-functional since completion, he added. Residents like Msughter Targbanger echo these sentiments, lamenting the unfulfilled promises.
In Koti Apera, the borehole project was abruptly abandoned, a situation resident Paul Lange attributes to political motivations. “The project started during election season but was abandoned soon after,” Lange stated. “It seems it was merely a ploy for votes.” In Ushongo Market Square, another borehole project stands unused, with no power source to operate the water pump. As a result, residents have been forced to rely on untreated streams, a circumstance that has led to rising cases of waterborne illnesses.
“We’ve seen children and adults fall ill frequently,” Terhemen Aondofa from Uyough community shared. “Clinics confirm it’s due to bad water, and there have even been fatalities.”
Contractor’s Political Ties and Non-Responsiveness
Polaris Capital Limited, the contractor awarded the project, is run by Kelvin Sesugh Vihishima and Ruth Iember Vihishima. Vihishima, who previously ran for a House of Representatives seat under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), did not respond to questions regarding the project’s failings. While SMI reached out to him, Vihishima deflected questions and subsequently avoided further contact, fueling concerns that political connections may have influenced the awarding of the contract.
Expert Insights on Poor Project Execution
Ijagbemi Olutayo, head of the Hydrogeology Department at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, attributed the failed water projects to poor execution practices. “For a borehole to function optimally, it requires a proper submersible pump, an overhead tank, and a reliable power source,” he explained. “Cutting corners on these essentials is likely why we’re seeing non-functional projects. Often, contractors make these compromises to maximize profits at the expense of project viability.”
Olutayo stressed that proper geological surveys are critical in water projects to establish the depth and yield potential of a borehole, but it appears these fundamental requirements were overlooked in Benue’s case.
Lawmakers failed to offer accountability
SMI’s attempts to engage former House of Representatives members responsible for nominating these projects revealed limited accountability. In Buruku Federal Constituency, a political associate of former member Kpam Jimin Sokpo highlighted Sokpo’s accomplishments in delivering water projects to the region. However, residents contradict this claim, noting that the borehole in Tofi has never functioned.
In Kwande/Ushongo, former Representative Robert Tyough did not respond to repeated requests for comment. His silence has raised further doubts about the oversight role lawmakers are supposed to play in ZIP projects.
Client’s Silence: National Water Resources Institute
The National Water Resources Institute, listed as the client for these projects, also failed to provide clarity. Although they acknowledged receipt of SMI’s email, the institute did not respond further, fueling questions about the project’s oversight and management.
ICPC’s Role in Addressing Constituency Project Failures
A source within the ICPC disclosed that the agency is aware of irregularities in Benue’s constituency projects and has summoned individuals involved. However, despite completing its investigation, the Commission has yet to release any findings or act. When SMI formally requested the ICPC’s findings, the Benue office initially cited “pending approval from headquarters” as the reason for its inability to respond. However, months later, there has been no significant progress.
While the ICPC offered a belated interview date at its Abuja headquarters, SMI was unable to complete this interview in time for publication, leaving questions about the investigation unanswered.
Public Outcry Over ICPC’s Silence
The ICPC’s silence has sparked anger and frustration within the affected communities, who view the lack of transparency as another layer of injustice. “It’s frustrating that after identifying the issues, the ICPC isn’t holding anyone accountable,” said a resident of Buruku, reflecting the general sentiment in Benue.
SMI notes that the ICPC’s continued silence on the failed Benue constituency projects has deepened public distrust in government accountability. As these communities struggle without access to clean water, the agency’s inaction highlights the urgent need for effective oversight and transparency. Holding contractors and officials accountable is essential to ensure that government-funded projects truly benefit the communities they were meant to support.
This report is produced by Safer-Media Initiative under The Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability Project (C-MEDIA Project) of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) funded by the MacArthur Foundation.