*Warns Contractors Against Substandard Jobs, Delays
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to quality infrastructure and timely completion of projects across Delta State is not negotiable.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, who stated this during inspection of the Emevor-Orogun Road Phase II in Isoko North Local Council and construction of the Amai/Aragba Road in Ukwuani Local Council, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the 7.4-kilometre Amai/Aragba-Orogun Road, saying the contractor had carried out extensive earthworks and stone base.
This is just as he warned contractors handling ongoing road projects in Ndokwa West Local Council to speed up work or risk contract revocation, stressing that the state government would not tolerate unnecessary delays and contractors must adhere strictly to project timelines and agreed specifications.
According to him: “Before coming here, we inspected the 7.4-kilometre stretch of the Amai-Aragba Road and I want to say that I am impressed with the work that is being done there. I saw the earthworks being executed in addition to the other areas where they have stone-based.”
The commissioner said the quality of work being carried out on the project aligns with the expectations of the state government, which is determined to ensure that contractors deliver durable infrastructure that will serve the people for many years, but urged the contractor to increase the pace of work to ensure that the project is completed within the next two to three months.
During inspection of the 4.8-kilometre Emevor-Orogun Road Phase II, Aniagwu said the project had further justified government’s decision to engage indigenous contractors for key infrastructure development, noting: “This contractor, Emo Rock Concepts Limited, is doing the kind of job that can compete favourably with any of the international brands.”
He recalled that the contractor had earlier handled the first phase of the road project, which remained in excellent condition, prompting government to award the Phase II contract to it, noting that the construction design and engineering measures adopted on the road, including the construction of retaining walls and the elevation of the road above the natural ground level, were deliberate efforts to address the swampy terrain of the area.
He stressed that government expects every contractor handling projects in the state to deliver durable infrastructure that provides value for money for the state and long-term benefits for residents, restating Oborevwori’s high premium on quality and strict adherence to project timelines.
He charged other contractors handling projects across the state to emulate the standard set by the firm, saying the Oborevwori administration remains committed to delivering durable road infrastructure that will improve connectivity and socio-economic development across the state.
Aniagwu stated that the road projects were part of the deliberate effort of the administration to open up rural communities, connect them to urban centres and improve the living conditions of residents, adding that inspection of the Amai-Aragba Road was aimed at ensuring that contractors adhere strictly to project timelines and the specifications contained in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
The commissioner commended the contractor handling the Etua road project, Chioino Global Ventures, for the pace and quality of work, noting that significant progress had been recorded within a short period.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some other projects, particularly the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road (Phase 1), which has reached 70.4 per cent completion, despite having an expected completion date of October last year, and directed the contractor to ensure its completion within the next one to one-and-a-half months.
He also faulted the slow progress recorded on the Eweshi-Utagba-Uno Road, valued at ₦5.04 billion, which currently stands at 25.4 per cent completion, even though it was scheduled for completion in March this year.
“If the contractors do not change the trajectory of their movement within the next one month, we will take actions, including revocation and re-awarding the contracts.
“No contractor will hold the government to ransom,” he warned.
The commissioner stressed that the state government had no reason to accept excuses from contractors since they are adequately mobilised, saying contractors receive 40 per cent mobilisation once contracts are awarded, while the government promptly honours payment certificates once they are raised.
Aniagwu warned officials of the Ministry of Works and other Ministries against certifying jobs that have not been executed, stressing that any officer found culpable would be made to refund the money and face dismissal.
Speaking during the inspection, the member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Charles Emetulu, commended Oborevwori for approving numerous infrastructure projects in the constituency.
Emetulu said the projects would directly impact the lives of the people by improving access to communities and facilitating the movement of agricultural produce to markets.
He, however, appealled to contractors to speed up work, so that the communities could begin to benefit from the projects.
