THE Delta State Government has released the sum of N30billion for the payment of outstanding certificates owed contractors in the state.
Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who disclosed this, yesterday, while speaking to journalists shortly inspecting ongoing projects at Emevor and Evwreni in Isoko North and Ughelli North Local Councils, respectively, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the approval, which he said would encourage contractors to put in their best to deliver their projects on schedule.
Aniagwu explained that the governor had earlier approved payment of N30billion to different contractors; hence a lot of them have moved back to sites, adding: “We are already making plans to also continuously pay, so that contractors can continue to work and our people continue to get value for the jobs that we have awarded for the ease of movements across the different 25 local government areas.
“We are not having any challenge and I am sure the contractors are doing quite fine and areas where they need us to fast-track payment of interim certificates, we have assured them that we would speed up the process, so that at the end of the day, nothing stalls the work they are doing.”
He commended Emevor youths for cooperating with the contractor, saying government would continue to sensitise the people to take ownership of projects executed in their areas.
“It is important that they own it.The last time I went on inspection, I did say that we are going to set up a call centre where the citizens will have the opportunity to interface with us. I am happy to announce that they are already interfacing with us, such that if a contractor is not doing the right thing, they can talk to us and if anybody is doing anything that will undermine the project in their communities, they can also talk to us,” he said.
Aniagwu reiterated that burning of tyres on and along the roads was prohibited across the state, even in the name of protests, urging community leaders to continue to sensitise their people to forestall further damage to roads.
“The interface with communities will continue and we will continue to sensitise president generals of community associations, youth leaders and all enlightened persons in these communities to impress it on their people to continue to exhibit the right attitude, not only with respect to government properties, but also private properties in their domain.
“By doing so, they will have longer time to enjoy such facilities and we will be glad if this roads stand the test of time up to the next 30 years, as this means that instead of the community asking us to come and repair the road, they will be asking us to construct another one, because whatever money we are going to bring back to repair what was intentionally spoilt could have been available to give them more projects,” the commissioner stated.
