The Federal Government has criticised contractors handling road projects for failing to meet their obligations, hindering development and causing hardship for Nigerians.
During an inspection tour of projects in Rivers State, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, pledged to sanction underperforming contractors.
While visiting the Ahoada section of the East-West Road, Umahi specifically warned Setraco and Rock Result, accusing them of unprofessional conduct and politicizing the project despite receiving payments. He condemned the slow progress and vowed to make an example of them to deter similar lapses.
“I have seen a situation here where the ministry staff, they don’t have drawings, they don’t have Bill of quantities. They are not in charge of the project, so how will the project move?” he queried.
“I am going to use the engineers on this job to set an example. I am going to direct the permanent secretary to give them query and they will answer it. Where the ministry staff are not ready to supervise the jobs, we will use consultants to supervise the jobs. The jobs must be done.”
He stated that the delay in the projects has nothing to do with the President who has provided the funds needed for the jobs neither is it his fault, but that of the contractors.
He commended the contractors on the quality of job done, stressing that the delay was the problem.
“Both contractors (Rock Result and Setraco) are doing quality jobs, but Rock Result has delayed the job terribly. I have directed that all his certificate for payment be blocked, and I have directed that he should be issued 7-day notice. He will not get a dime unless this first carriage is completed. If it is not completed, I will terminate the contract. I have ordered the controller to issue him a query.”
On the Bodo/Bonny Road, the Minister of Works stated that the job must be completed on or before September 2025, stressing that it has been “badly delayed” by Julius Berger despite receiving 85 percent of the contract sum which is N199 billion.
“This work will not go beyond September. This job has been badly delayed. And you are aware that going forth and back with Julius Berger on this project lasted for one year. Even, there was a bridge of contract where Berger has to demobilize without notice to the client.
He hailed President Bola Tinubu over what he described as his commitment to the people of the Nigeria Delta and other section of the country.
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