Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the contractor handling internal roads in Bori, headquarters of the Rivers South-East senatorial district, to return to site and complete the project or face embarrassment.
He frowned at the nonchalance with which the contractor had approached the work after more than 80 percent of the agreed contractual terms had been paid, saying the approach was unacceptable.
Fubara spoke yesterday when he visited the project site in Bori Town, which is also the headquarters of Khana local government area of the state.
The governor said: “This project was awarded before my assumption of office. But I have made two payments for this project. The total value of this project is over N6billion.
“In the month of June, 2023, I paid the first N2billion, and in December, 2023, I also released another N2billion, making about 80 percent of the project value. So, I am surprised that somebody will say that we are not interested in completing this project that is in my senatorial district.”
He stated that it was even more worrisome that after those payments were made, the contractor refused to move men and equipment to site.
Fubara pointed to a very disturbing incident where the contractor sacked his front desk officer for receiving a letter sent by the ministry of works to demand for an update on the Bori internal road project.
The governor added: “I came here this afternoon to inspect the Bori internal roads under construction. And, honestly speaking, my major reason of coming here is because we got a very disturbing propaganda.
“Some persons were circulating negative reports on social media that we deliberately abandoned the continuation of the project. Maybe the persons have political reason.
“It is very unfortunate that every time we find ourselves in this kind of situation. So, my coming here today is to let the world know of the situation.
“I don’t want to mention the name of the contractor, let it not be that I am being personal. But the contractor knows himself. He should better go back to site or I will do something that will embarrass him as a person.”
Fubara also assured residents of the area who came out in their numbers to cheer him, singing his praises, that the road will be completed to ease movement of the people.
He said, “I can assure you that this road project will be completed. You are my people, and there is no way I can abandon a project designed to serve my people, and give them a sense of belonging. So, be rest assured that this road will be completed for your use.”
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