BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has threatened to terminate the contract awarded to Chinese companies over shoddy jobs and delays in the execution of projects despite receiving mobilisation funds.
At a high-level meeting with the officials of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) in Abuja, Umahi said that the decision was a decisive step meant to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability.
Both companies are the concessionaires on Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway.
During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, just as the government warned the companies to safeguard public health and ensure quality project in order to protect government's investment.
Umahi disclosed that the ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities continued to pose environmental and health risks to the residents.
To this end, he directed the Permanent Secretary to issue a letter to the contractor, mandating that immediate dust-control measures and soil stabilisation techniques should be implemented within 7 days or risk suspension of the project.
On the dualisation of Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road, the minister stated that although the project was started by the previous government, the present administration completed some sections and tolled them.
It was observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling.
Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work.
He informed that other identified failed sections along the dual carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control.
In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works, emphasising the need for improved highway safety management.
Umahi also directed the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the highways.
While expressing concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja.
He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries were not deployed to the site, including minimal site clearance.
Given the flaws, the minister warned that If full mobilisation was not achieved within the agreed timeframe, the government will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.
The minister stated that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds.
He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermined national development.
Umahi highlighted that the APC-led administration inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
He said that despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, disclosing that the entire Federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years.
The minister was confident that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure.
He urged Nigerians to vote massively for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
The minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.
Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be applied to all construction sites.
He promised adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial road, as well as the rehabilitation of the failed sections of Mararraba-Lafia road.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
Comments
Post a Comment