…Senate secures commitment to project completion timeline
The Senate Committee on Works held the second session of its investigative hearing on Thursday 5th December, focusing on the deplorable state of the Odukpani – Itu Road.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, as well as the MDs of the contracting firms CCECC and SERMATECH were present.
During the session, my colleagues and I engaged the stakeholders with critical questions, leading to the disclosure of several important facts. Notably, substantial funds have already been disbursed to the contractors. This revelation underscores the expectation that, despite the challenges faced, significantly more progress should have been made on the project.
At the conclusion of the hearing, several resolutions were agreed upon by all parties:
(1) Failed Julius Berger Road Sections: The termination of the contract awarded to JB due to its failure to execute and its abandonment of the road site. It was resolved that the sections be reawarded to a capable contractor.
Julius Berger Nig Ltd was summoned to account for funds released to date. Due to its failure to appear for a second successive hearing, I moved a motion for the issuance of a bench warrant for the arrest of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nig Ltd, if he fails to appear before the committee over the next 24 hours, the motion was seconded and unanimously adopted.
(2) Focus on Existing Road Construction: While the dual carriageway expansion presents challenges due to issues of payment of compensation, it was collectively resolved that the immediate priority will be the completion of the existing single carriage road as soon as possible to ameliorate the present suffering of commuters.
(3) Redeployment of Ministry of Works Officials: All Ministry of Works officials, including the zone comptroller and engineers, will be redeployed. New personnel will be deployed with a clear mandate to ensure contractors meet their obligations.
(4) Commitment to Timelines: A new commitment agreement will be signed by the Ministry, contractors, the Senate, and other stakeholders within seven days, outlining clear timelines for project completion.
This agreement will be backed by an affidavit which will carry punitive terms to the contractors in the event of a default.
As the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, I remain deeply committed to ensuring the successful completion of this critical infrastructure project. I will continue to exercise my oversight responsibilities diligently, advocating for the interests of my constituents.
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Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong