By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has ordered the contractors handling the rehabilitation of some road projects in Kogi state to fast track the work in line with the terms of agreement.
Minister of Works, David Umahi gave the directive during a meeting with the contractors in Abuja, on Thursday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on (Media), Orji Uchenna, listed the roads to include Lokoja-Shintaku- Dekina-Anyigba road, and the Okene-Ajeokula Itobe dual carriageway covering 52.22km
He told the contractors to draw a template on how to deliver the projects in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda
Umahi explained that his administration is putting in place efforts that will bring about effective roadmap to the funding and delivery of ongoing projects inherited from the previous administrations.
He said the projects were awarded in 2022 to to CCECC Nig Ltd and TEC Engineering Company Nig Ltd which were meant to be completed in 2024.
The minister revealed that the project was awarded in 2022 covering 52.27km length but the contractor had achieved only 1.97% completion (binder) on one alignment despite receiving ₦2.5 Billion advance payment.
He, therefore directed the Director Highway North Central to issue a warning letter to the contractor, to within 30 days, resume work on the site (using the old rate) to achieve a milestone that is commensurate with the money they received, after which the balance of the job yet to be done would be mutually terminated to enable the Ministry procure the remaining section of the project for enhanced funding and execution.
The statement reads in parts, Tthe project was awarded in 2022 with a length of 52.27km but the contractor has only achieved 1.97% completion (binder) on one alignment despite receiving ₦2.5 Billion advance payment.
“Therefore, i directed the Director Highway North Central to issue a warning letter to the contractor, to within 30 days, resume work on the site (using the old rate) to achieve a milestone that is commensurate with the money they received, after which the balance of the job yet to be done would be mutually terminated to enable the Ministry procure the remaining section of the project for enhanced funding and execution.
“The rehabilitation of Lokoja- Shintaku – Dekina – Anyigba road with a spur from Dekina to Ugbabo in Kogi State, handled by TEC Engineering Company Nig Ltd, was awarded in 2022 but recorded only 1.04% completion despite receiving ₦1billion as advance payment.
‘It was directed that the contractor should lay 3km asphalt by December 2025 after which a final account would be made based on the milestone completed and the job would be terminated on mutual basis. It was further directed that the assessment for the funds already released shall be based on the old rate while the assessment for the funds to be accessed under the year 2025 budget shall be based on the new rate. The Minister also directed that the consultancies for both contracts be mutually terminated pending when a new contract is procured on the projects”
