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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released 50 per cent funds on palliative work. He, therefore, directed all contractors to go back to site saying that he wants to see action in all the 36 states and Abuja.
Although the total amount was not announced, Umahi, in a statement, directed contractors to go back to work.
The minister also said that the Bureau of Public Procurement has equally approved over 80 per cent of requests for palliative projects.
“Those who indicated interest in the palliative project should please come to the ministry to collect award letters and complete documentation. Mr. President has graciously released 50 per cent of funds on palliative work, and so he wants to see action in all the 36 states and Abuja” he said
The minister used the opportunity to announce the re-organisation of the supervision structure for the special projects across the nation and introduced a special mechanism for tracking of certificates generated by contractors and expressed hope that with the new initiative under the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President, each state of the federation would record not less than 150km roads in the federal roads network in the year 2024, in addition to the special road projects funded through different extra budgetary platforms.
The minister emphasized that going forward, contractors must take into account the plight of Nigerians and the Renewed Hope Initiatives on road infrastructure development in executing their projects. He maintained that the Ministry of Works means business and would not take excuses from contractors. He assured them that the ministry would consider the review of contracts previously consumated in line with set parameters and prevailing economic situations, and that all generated certificates would be verified and paid accordingly, while urging them to ensure that all issues of contract variations were brought to the notice of the relevant departments of the ministry. He thanked Mr. President for the prompt release of funds for palliatives works.
Earlier, the representative of the Permanent Secretary and Director Highway, Bridges and Design, Engineer Awosanya Onatuga, stated that the meeting of the directors and contractors with the minister was an agenda setting for the year 2024, and the essence was to take the task of performance that would help them move the works sub-sector forward in accordance with the innovative plans of the Federal Government under Mr. President. He thanked the minister for the relief given to road-users toward the Christmas and New Year seasons.
“We can say we did very well towards the end of last year. There were no adverse reports on any blockage or people sleeping on the road. Yes, we have not done so much; we are not where we are supposed to be,” he said.
