- Gives contractor 14 days to return to site
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The federal government has said it would terminate the contract for the Aba-Port Harcourt section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway if the contractor handling the project, Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) refuses to return to site forthwith.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has directed the Ministry’s Acting Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a 14-day termination notice to the contractor.
Umahi, according to a release by his
Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, made this known on Sunday while inspecting the ongoing Port Harcourt- Aba road project, km 206+600-km 205 + 500 being handled by CCECC Ltd.
The livid minister was reported to have
expressed very serious disappointment over the failure of the contractor to go back to site, despite his directive since four weeks ago he inspected the project site.
“It is his further directive that the failure of the contractor to mobilize adequately to the site within the period of the 14 days Notice, the contract shall be terminated.
The release said the minister observed that part of the reason for the escalation of contract cost of road projects is the delay of project execution by the contractors.
“Some contractors have formed the habit of staying on projects for years and then requesting for augmentation on their projects, which will not allow the projects to be completed because of the paucity of funds.”
Orji said the Minister would henceforth, follow due process to terminate all non-performing contracts nationwide.
“Contractors are therefore warned to change their tactics and know that the Federal Government means business in her determination to alleviate the problems of Nigerians as occasioned by bad roads.
“It is heartwarming to note that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been going beyond limits in funding road projects nationwide, and the Ministry of Works has vowed to support his selfless efforts to restore the confidence of Nigerians in our roads infrastructure.”
The minister was accompanied on the visit by the Acting Controllers of Works in Rivers and Abia States.