The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has terminated the contract awarded to a construction firm, NBHH Engineering Company for nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, totaling 14.053 km, for negligence and failure to deliver the project on stipulated time.
Governor Soludo terminated the contract on Tuesday when he conducted an on-site inspection of Okpoko, a densely populated community, revealing unfinished infrastructure projects and sanitation concerns.
The Governor expressed dissatisfaction with the state of some of the nine road projects initially scheduled for completion in June 2023 and deemed the contractor “incompetent”.
While addressing the supervisor of the project, he said, “This road was supposed to be completed by June last year. Eight months afterward, you are yet to complete it.
“You can’t do the job. The job was supposed to last for nine months and you were adequately mobilised.
“This is February 20 and you are supposed to have delivered the job. It shows that you are incompetent to do the job. After we paid you 59 percent of the mobilisation.
“There is nowhere in the country that 50 percent is paid. Here and here, this contract is terminated and you can remove your things here and tomorrow we will look for who will complete this project.”
The nine road projects in Okpoko include Obodoukwu – Owerri Road (L= 2.884km W=12m), Ogbuagu-Ik Onuora-Anumudu-Mgbuka Amazu -Owerri Road (L= 2.992km W=7.3m), Edeh Road-School Road-Awalite- Ojoto -Owerri Road (L= 1.48km W= 9m) School Road-Umuobom Street- Ojoto Street Junction (L= 0.576km W= 6m)-Umuobom ST (Ojoto St Junction), Adazi Ani St – Owerri Road (L=1. 345km W=6m).
Others are Umenweke St (Obodoukwu Junction) – Umeojiakor St (School Rd Junction) (L=0.593km W=6km), Awalite (Ojoto Junction) – Anumudu (Mgbuka Amazu Junction) (L= 0.991km W= 6m), Uzii Street – Mission Street (Awalite Junction) (L= 0.538km W= 6m), Anumudu Street (Ik Onuora Junction) – Gmo Road (L= 0.350km W=9m)14.053km.
The Governor explained that his government will seek a new contractor to ensure swift completion of the project.
Meanwhile, Governor Soludo condemned the practice of street trading, emphasising the need for organised markets and announced the construction of a modern fruit and vegetable market to relocate street vendors and improve overall aesthetics.
Governor Soludo highlighted the poor sanitation conditions and ordered immediate cleanup efforts, assuring that the SASA Anti-Tout Task Force will address harassment and illegal levies imposed on traders.
The Governor tasked local market unions with internal security arrangements, assuring that the government will ensure overall peace and safety.
Reiterating his focus on helping the underserved, Governor Soludo pledged continued infrastructure development in Okpoko, including street lights, pipe-borne water, and a standard general hospital.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration, urging residents to play their part in maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
Governor Soludo’s visit underscores his commitment to improving living conditions in Okpoko through infrastructure development, improved sanitation, and organised market systems. While acknowledging challenges, he emphasided the shared responsibility between the government and residents to achieve progress.
Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for Ogbaru, Local Government Area, Mr. Paschal Aniegbuna, applauded Governor Soludo for his commitment to transforming the Okpoko community into a livable homeland.
Mr Aniegbuna also expressed optimism about Governor Soludo transforming the Okpoko markets into modern markets, following the government’s meeting with Okpoko market leaders.
Dominica Nwabufo
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