Delta pledges to address contractors' challenges ~ Truth Reporters

BY TINA OKI

Delta State Government has  promised to intervene in the challenges capable of hindering contracting firms  from delivering quality road projects in line with the visions of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. 

The Commissioner for Rural and Riverine Roads, Hon Charles Aniagwu, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Highway and Urban Roads, Hon Reuben Izeze, gave the assurances yesterday during their maiden interface with the contractors in Asaba.

Remarking, Hon Aniagwu recognized that both the state government and the contractors shared the blame that had resulted in the poor execution of road projects in the past. 

‘’As a government, we have our blame, and as partners, there are certain things you will have to correct. We know that some of you are experiencing some challenges but we will not only be looking at the quality of jobs but also the speed with which we will have to pay you so that you can execute those jobs as specified’’. 

‘’The new administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is very interested in meeting you where it touches you. Some of you (contractors) have completed your jobs and are not yet paid. We are addressing that concern as we prepared

the 2024 budget. 

‘’As we address these challenges, it becomes easier for you to meet up with your obligation to your workers and your financiers. We know what you are going through. Rest assured that we are prepared to address our shortcomings as a government’’ he said. 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Urban and Highway Roads, Hon Izeze, charged the contractors not to compromise on the visions of Governor Oborevwori to execute roads that would stand the test of time. 

Izeze demanded that engineers of the various firms must have been certified by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), even as he cautioned contracting firms to desist from roving the same engineers across multiple projects in the state. 

‘’On its part, the state government is committed to, as much as possible, address the issue of funding by paying all outstanding certificates’’ he said, even as he charged the contractors not to delay compensations to property owners affected by their projects. 

‘’If you were used to cutting corners and you are unfortunate to deliver a substandard job under our watch, you will refund our money and be prosecuted according to the laws. 

‘’But if you do your job according to specifications, we will ensure that you get paid as and when due. We will keep our part of the bargain, we hope that you keep yours too’’ he said. 

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary (Works) Engr Fred Edafioghor, said that the meeting was for the works commissioners to familiarize and interface with the contractors in the ministries, as well as listen to their challenges and fashion solutions to identified challenges. 

At the meeting, some of the contractors, including Engr. Peter Elvis and Chiedu Nwaokeoma commended the commissioners for identifying some of their challenges and promising to address them.