By Adaeze Onuora
The Honourable Minister Of Works, Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi who was in the company of the Acting Controller of Rivers and Abia States, has directed the Acting Controller of Rivers State to follow due process and issue a 14 days Termination Notice to the contractor
However, It was 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 Honourable Minister of Works, made this known on Sunday, 18th February 2024, when inspected the ongoing Port Harcourt- Aba road project, km 206+600-km 205 + 500 being handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company,( CCECC) Ltd .
He 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.
The Honourable Minister also observed that part of the reason for the escalation of contract cost of the 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.
This was contained in a press release signed by Hon.Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Hon. Minister Of Works.
Engr Umahi noted that 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 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju 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".
