Barely months after its reconstruction, the roof of a block of six classrooms at Amaogudu Primary School in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State is reportedly already showing signs of collapse, sparking renewed criticism of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's constituency projects.
The project, facilitated by Senator Kalu under the Federal Constituency Community Organisations (FCCO) scheme for the 2024 capital projects, was part of the lawmaker's broader intervention to improve infrastructure across the Abia North Senatorial District.
Despite the senator’s glowing endorsement on social media, including photos and a video showcasing the newly renovated school, closer inspection of the facility tells a different story.
Cracks, Leaks, and Poor Finishing Mar the Project
The structure shows signs of poor workmanship. Cracks are visible along the walls, and the roof appears unstable. Parts of the corrugated metal sheeting used for the roof have already peeled off particularly on the front and right sides of the building exposing the structure to the elements and raising concerns over durability and safety for students.
One window in the second classroom has fallen off and now lies on the floor, while the school compound is overgrown with weeds. The floor is unfinished and untiled, and the paint is already peeling, with patches suggesting that the walls were not adequately prepared before painting. Some areas show signs of water damage, indicating that the paint used may not be weather-resistant.
Two schoolchildren were seen squatting beside the building in the shared video, adding a human face to the failure of what was supposed to be an uplifting education project.
Senator Kalu Praises the Project—Despite Visual Evidence to the Contrary
Senator Kalu, a former Abia State governor and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), proudly posted about the project on his Facebook page, stating:
“As one of my drives to deepen a more conducive learning environment and make education easily accessible to my constituents, I facilitated the reconstruction and furnishing of Amaogudu Primary School, Abiriba…”
He added that similar projects were being replicated across the Abia North Senatorial District.
However, the state of the school undermines these claims, highlighting broader issues of quality control and accountability in constituency projects.
History of Substandard Projects
This is not the first time a project facilitated by Senator Kalu has come under public scrutiny for substandard execution.
In August 2024, it was reported that O. I. Ukaegbu Road in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area, also fell below expectations. Although the project received a federal allocation of ₦150 million for the construction of a one-kilometre road, only about 600 metres were completed by the contracted firms Tramstek Ltd. and Ice Target Global Ltd.
Similarly, Senator Kalu was previously linked to the delivery of three low-quality roads to his constituency, which cost taxpayers nearly ₦398.8 million. Residents and civic groups had raised alarms over the poor quality of work, with some roads already deteriorating despite being recently commissioned.
Public Outcry Grows
Civil society organizations and concerned residents are demanding greater transparency and oversight in the execution of constituency projects. Many have called on anti-corruption agencies and relevant government bodies to audit the funds disbursed, inspect ongoing and completed projects, and hold contractors accountable for shoddy delivery.
A local education advocate commented, “What’s the point of building classrooms that can’t stand for a year? This isn’t just about bad roads anymore this affects our children directly.”
Calls for Reform in Constituency Project Oversight
The recurring issues surrounding constituency projects, especially in Senator Kalu’s district, are part of a larger national concern about how lawmakers use federal allocations. Experts argue that unless mechanisms are put in place to enforce standards, transparency, and community involvement, many of these projects will remain token gestures rather than meaningful development efforts.
As the rainy season intensifies, parents and educators in Abiriba worry about the safety of the school’s pupils and whether the newly renovated building can withstand the weather.
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