Federal Govt Warns Local Contractors Over Failed Projects

Minister of works and housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has charged local contractors to improve the quality of road projects or risk losing contract opportunities.

He stated that though the government was ready to give opportunities, it would not compromise on its standard.

Fashola made the remark while on an assessment tour of some federal roads and bridges under construction in Oyo and Osun states as contained in a statement made available to journalists, weekend.

The statement was signed by the director of press and public relations, Mrs Blessing Lere-Adams.

Fashola said, “I have pointed out some areas where I think our local contractors can improve upon.

“They are not structural but aesthetic. So far, so good, the standard has not been compromised but to have some equipment for smooth finishing on some concrete works, they just have to improve.

“However, Mr President is committed to engage local contractors. That is the purpose for Executive Order No.7, i.e. Local Content and Contractor participation on Road Infrastructure Development.”

During the inspection tour of rehabilitation of outstanding sections of Iseyin- Okeho Road including two bridges in Oyo State , he promised the local contractor handling the road, Messrs. HMF Construction Ltd that when 2023 budget and 2022 Sukuk are being considered government would be able to accommodate the N4billion needed by the contractor to complete the remaining part of the construction works on the road.

The minister charged Messrs Kopek Construction Company, on the reconstruction of Ibadan–Ife-Ilesha Dual Carriageway in Oyo /Osun states not to stop work and to make some sections of the road motorable during the ember months.

While inspecting the dualisation of Oyo–Ogbomosho road, he remarked, “Relief will soon come the way of the road users, though the rainy season has slowed down the construction works on the project, the earthworks will improve as soon as the rains subsides.”

He said dualisation of the road is being funded through Sukuk and the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme for Roads, therefore, there wouldn’t be a funding challenge in delivering the road.

He enjoined commuters not to abuse the roads and maintain road speed limits when the roads are completed.

Oba Rafiu Adeitan II, the Onjo of Okeho who appreciated the minister during the inspection visit within his jurisdiction, thanked him for the good job the contractor is doing on Iseyin- Okeho Road.