Delta threatens to sack contractors over slow project execution

The Delta state government on Friday, threatened to sack the contractors handling the 1.5km Kwale/ Beneku Bridge and the Asaba Ughelli Highway if at the end of the second quarter of the year the projects are not completed.

The contractors (names withheld) had told the state government that the slow pace of work was informed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, the state government in a swift reaction through the state Commissioner for Works, Chief James Auguoye, said that the contractors’ excuses were a ruse and frivolous, adding that the projects must be completed according to specifications.

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Speaking further, Chief Auguoye however, charged the contractors working on the two pedestrian bridges along the Benin/ Asaba Expressway and the section C portion of the Ughelli/ Asaba Road to expedite action with a view to completing the projects on time.

The commissioner who spoke to journalists while inspecting the Ughelli/ Asaba Expressway, expressed satisfaction at the quality of the work done even though the pace of execution was slow.

He adding that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who inspected the projects few weeks ago, would be astonished at the quality of work being carried out by the contractors.

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Chief Auguoye stressed the socio -economic importance of the projects, especially as it crosses Ase Creek and linking affected council areas in the state.

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According to him, inspite of the rampaging impact of COVID-19 on the health and socio- economic sectors of the state, the Okowa administration can still substain ongoing projects to strengthen the state’s economy, post COVID-19.

Also, while inspecting the 25km road/ bridge project at the GSM Company Asaba, the commissioner said that the ongoing extensive vulvert project when completed, would curb the devastating impact of flooding along the road and in the populated residential areas beside the Asaba Airport.

At the 11km Ibusa- Ogwashi Uku portion of the project, the Ossisa- Kwale portion of the Ughelli -Asaba project and the ongoing bridge project at Obo River, the vommissioner, assured that when completed, Deltans will continue to enjoy the dividends of good governance