Senate probes failed north-east road contract, summons Fashola

The Senate on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Works to investigate the rehabilitation of a road project in the north-east which is still in deplorable condition.

Recall that the contract for the rehabilitation of Mararaba – Mubi – Michika – Bama Road in Adamawa / Borno states was awarded to RHAS Nigeria Limited in February 2017 as part of federal government’s reconstruction of the north -eastern part.

However, almost three years after the contract was awarded and three tranches of mobilization fees (N1.625 billion and N1.2 billion in May 2017 as well as N175 million in May 2018) were paid, there has been no meaningful progress on the project.

For this reason, the Senate mandated its Committee on Works to invite the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, to explain the deplorable state of a major highway in the north-east geo-political zone of the country and why the road project was abandoned. 

Senate resolution is consequent upon a motion sponsored by Sen. Ishaku Abbo (Adamawa North) who said that despite the payment of over N1.2 billion to RHAS Nigeria Limited two years ago to rehabilitate the road, the project has been abandoned.

Sen. Abbo, who said many people have died as a result of the poor state of the road, urged the Senate to quickly intervene, disclosing that the rehabilitation of the road which was awarded to Rhas Nigeria Limited include the rehabilitation of three bridges disconnected by soldiers in order to fight the Boko Haram insurgents. 

“Since 2017, Rhas Nigeria Limited received over N1. 2 billion in three installment. Over two years of the contract award, despite receiving mobilization fee, the project has been abandoned.

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“The economic activities of Adamawa state have been affected by the non- rehabilitation of the road. Residents live in perpetual fear of attacks because the road is in bad shape,” the senator added.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said that “I think when they invite the ministry they will come and explain how the contract was awarded.

 “The ministry will also explain when and how it was awarded, the status of work and what needs to be done going forward.

“The committee on works will actually investigate by calling on the ministry of works to appear before it and then find out why the road is abandoned, and what the issues are.”