Umahi inspects Abuja-Lokoja road, threatens to sack contractors over shoddy job

The minister of works, David Umahi has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the work done on the Abuja-Lokoja road by some contractors.

The minister cited the constructed bridge on section 4 of the project, saying it was poorly done, and would not hesitate reviewing the contract of the handling firms.

Speaking during the inspection of the Abuja-Lokoja road on Tuesday, Umahi threatened to terminate the contract of any contractor in the project who fails to meet with the expected outcomes, especially with regards to the quality of work done.

He stressed that if a contractor fails in one project, the firm’s other projects will be terminated.

He further disclosed that he and the team of experts in the ministry of works were exploring technological options to ensure that projects delivered meet the expectations of Nigerians.

He said: “Yesterday, I inspected about eight projects on Abuja-Lokoja roads and I was disappointed with what I saw. How can you collect money to do something and you didn’t do it right? Do people fear God at all? We must work, and do the work for the people instead of ours.”

The minister, while speaking with journalists expressed strong confidence in God and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as his godfather.

He stated that while he is aware that many of the contractors have been recommended by very powerful people across the country, such persons are not as powerful as the God and the president.

He, therefore, told contractors that he would be examining all the jobs done, even as he goes out to the field for project inspection.

He said: “I have the mandate of Mr. President to ensure that the roads are good for Nigerians to ply.”

He called on all contractors, particularly the big construction companies to embrace concrete pavement for the construction of Nigerian roads, as he argued that technology offers the nation durability of the roads for use.

He further suggested a flyover on Kotonkarifi instead of a low bridge which cannot solve the problem of flooding on the highway.

Umahi stated that people living at the bank of the River Niger will be relocated to a place yet to be approved by President Tinubu.

At Ganaja federal road where Governor Yahaya Bello has done some landscaping, Umahi promised to take it over so that the road which has become a nightmare to motorists from the South-East, South-West and South-South will become better, and the users of the road will experience ease while using the road.

Also, at Gito, the Governor frowned at the work done by the contractor, saying that some of the work had gulped billions of Naira, yet some of them have no design.

To this effect, he threatened to review and relocate the Ministry’s highway controllers for approving poorly- constructed work.

Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state noted that the people of Kogi had suffered from bad roads, both socially and economically.

In his remarks, Governor Bello said: “The condition of our Federal roads has been a source of great concern to our administration, the people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, owing to the fact that Kogi is geographically the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

“The suffering endured by commuters, the negative impact on trade and economic activities, and the strain on our transportation system have not gone unnoticed.

“It is with this in mind that we extend our sincere appreciation to the Minister for not only acknowledging this plight but also for promising urgent interventions to alleviate the situation.”

Peoplesmind