To enhance the health sector in Cross River, the State Ministry of Health has announced the opening of bids for the refurbishment of 82 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across the state.
During the bid opening session held at the IMPACT Project Implementation Unit, Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk urged contractors to demonstrate their best efforts, emphasizing that their performance would be key to their future recommendations for additional work.
He noted that this revitalization effort is part of the World Bank-funded Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project. The initiative, backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, aims to enhance the use and quality of immunization and malaria services in selected states, with part of the funds directed toward upgrading the 82 PHCs in Cross River.
He instructed the eventual winning bidders to carry out their work with professionalism and adhere to their contractual commitments.
“A significant number of PHCs in Cross River require a complete renovation, which is why we are seeking qualified bidders. This project is supported by the World Bank,” he explained.
“We will ensure a transparent bidding process, and the selected contractor will be highly competent, as we expect excellence.
“If you are not successful today, do not get discouraged; by registering with us as a contractor, you may be called for future opportunities,” the Commissioner added.
Additionally, the Ministry’s Procurement Officer, Mrs. Ajie Achu, announced that the open bidding will follow the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures outlined in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers 2020, making it accessible to all eligible bidders as defined by the regulations.
She mentioned that from five contractors who obtained the bidding documents, only one submitted a scanned bid security.
The contractors present expressed their satisfaction with the process, although they noted challenges in managing financial document workflows at some banks due to network issues. They assured that they would meet project timelines and specifications if selected.
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