By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Wednesday, threatened to terminate section IV of the Aba-Port Harcourt being handled by Messrs. China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).
While expressed displeasure during inspection of the road over the slow pace of work, noting however that they have only been able to access N7, 000,000,000:00 out of the N21, 000, 000, 000:00
The Minister instructed the Federal Controller of Works, Rivers State to issue a warning to the contractor, promising to terminate the contract, if there are no improvements in the tempo of work.
The Director, Press and Public Relations, at the Ministry, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, in a statement said the tour of duty also took the Minister to the Bodo-Bonny Road, where he, again, voiced discontent with the level of work achieved.
He prodded the Contractor, Messrs. Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc (JBN) to upscale their deployment of men, materials and machines, despite working throughout the Yuletide holidays.
According to him, the project is a critical component of the South-South zone’s infrastructure development, is a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
On the other hand, Umahi, while expressing satisfaction with the quality of work on the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction-Onne Junction), has directed the Contractor, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) to deploy more resources to hasten the pace of work or face re-scoping and re-award of the contract.
The Minister gave the warning yesterday, while inspecting the progress of work on the various projects.
He reminded the contractor that he has up to the end of April, 2025 to deliver a section of the carriageway.
The statement added that Umahi, began the inspection of ongoing road projects in the South-east and South-south geopolitical zones on Tuesday, 7th January, 2024 with the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia – Aba).
He however applauded the contractor, Messrs. Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. on the quality of work but instructed them to deploy in two more sites to speed up the construction and, most importantly, meet the set dateline.
Also, at the construction sites visited, the Minister stressed the urgency to meet deadlines, emphasising that all Federal contractors must intensify their efforts to ensure the timely realisation of projects, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, succinctly captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the essence is to improve connectivity, as well as stimulate socio-economic growth, he further explained.
The Minister issued clear directives to Federal Controllers of Works to present at least four (4) completed projects, each, for commissioning from February to 20th May, this year.
“The expectation is that every Controller delivers on his mandates, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays,” he declared.
In light of the delay in the delivery of some projects, the Minister cautioned that the Ministry is poised to take decisive action.
“The Ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor, who does not meet his contractual obligations, will face consequences, cumulating into a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract,” he added, emphasising that such actions would apply to all underperforming contracts.
Despite the challenges, he reassured that President Bola Tinubu, remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects, as well as the four (4) Legacy Projects he initiated.
“The President has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors, who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course,” he assured.
Umahi, guaranteed that the Ministry will continue to closely monitor all ongoing projects, ensuring that they align with President Tinubu’s vision for accelerated national growth and development. He concluded by calling for greater teamwork from all stakeholders in the management and delivery of road and bridge projects.
“We all need to work together – government, contractors and the general public towards ensuring that deadlines are met. No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects.” he reasserted.
