FG cautions contractors over delays in road projects, threatens sanctions

During an inspection of ongoing projects in Rivers State, the Minister of Works Dave Umahi declared that contractors who fail to fulfill their commitments will face sanctions.

Umahi delivered this warning while visiting the Ahoada section of the East-West Road, where he criticized the contractors, Setraco and Rock Result, for unprofessional conduct and the slow progress of work.

He accused the contractors of taking the project lightly and engaging in political maneuvering despite having received payments.

“I have observed a situation where ministry staff lack necessary project drawings and quantity bills. If they are not in charge, how can the project proceed?” he questioned.

Umahi emphasized that he would use the engineers involved as examples, instructing the permanent secretary to issue them queries.

He mentioned that if ministry staff are unprepared to oversee the projects, external consultants would be employed. “These jobs must be completed,” he insisted.

He clarified that the delays are not due to President Tinubu, who has allocated necessary funds, but rather the contractors’ shortcomings.

While commending the quality of work from both contractors, he noted significant delays from Rock Result, stating he has blocked all payment certificates for that contractor and issued a seven-day notice for completion. If the initial phase isn’t finished, Umahi indicated he will terminate the contract and has instructed the controller to issue a query.

Regarding the Bodo/Bonny Road project, he stated it must be completed by September 2025 due to severe delays by Julius Berger, despite the company having received 85% of the N199 billion contract sum.

“This work will not extend beyond September. The delays have been unacceptable, and there were issues with Julius Berger’s contract compliance,” he noted.

Umahi commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to the Niger Delta and other regions across the country.

Earlier, he visited the Eleme/Ogoni section of the East-West Road, where he lauded the RCC contractors for their high-quality work but expressed concern about their slow progress.

He urged them to expedite the project for completion by April so that the President could commission it, warning that contracts could be revoked if seriousness is not demonstrated, as these delays are causing suffering for Nigerians.

The Minister was accompanied by Federal Ministry of Works staff and other stakeholders during his visit.