BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has vowed to nullify pact sealed with non-performing contractors over slow pace of work on Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
To this end, he mandated the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) to issue a warning notice to the contractors ahead of the termination if there are no improvement at the project site.
Umahi disclosed this on Tuesday during the commencement of the inspection of ongoing road projects in the South East and South South geopolitical zones.
The project is handled by Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC).
While expressing satisfaction with the quality of work on the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction - Onne Junction), the minister directed RCC to deploy more resources to quicken the project or risk re-scoping and re-award of the contract.
He fixed April 2025, as the deadline for the contractor to deliver a section of the carriageway.
The minister also inspected the Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia - Aba).
He lauded the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. on the quality of work but instructed them to deploy more personnel in two more sites to speed up the construction and meet the deadline.
In addition, Umahi inspected Section IV (Aba - Port Harcourt) of the same alignment being handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).
He expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work, noting that the contractor received the sum of N7 billion out of the N21 billion budgeted for the project last year.
At Bodo-Bonny Road, the minister was dissatisfied with the level of work at the site, just as he informed the contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc to upscale the workforce.
He enjoined the contractor to increase the number of machines and materials despite working throughout the yuletide season.
The project, which is a critical infrastructure towards the development of the South-South geopolitical zone, contains 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
At all construction sites visited, Umahi emphasised the need for timely completion of the projects, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi directed the Federal Controllers of Works to present at least four completed projects each, for commissioning from February to May 20, 2025.
"The expectation is that every controller delivers on his mandate, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays," he said.
Umahi warned that the ministry will take decisive action given the delay in the completion of some projects.
"The ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor, who did not fulfill his contractual obligations will face the consequences, cumulating into a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract," he added.
He maintained that such actions would be extended to all underperforming contracts.
Despite the challenges, he reassured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects, likewise the four Legacy Projects initiated by his administration.
"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.
"We all need to work together– government, contractors and the general public–toward 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 by ensuring the successful completion of these projects," he added.
The minister pleaded with the stakeholders to join forces toward the management and delivery of road and bridge projects.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed on Thursday in Abuja.
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