From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakiliki
The federal government yesterday terminated the reconstruction of a section on Benin-Sapele-Warri road awarded to Messrs Levant construction company due to non performance.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued on Wednesday and was made available to journalists by the Hon. Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser to the minister of works, Engr. David Umahi.
The decision to terminate the project (Section 1: Benin- Imasabor) executed under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, was reached when the minister met with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and that of SKECC Nigeria Ltd in Abuja.
The statement read in parts:”I have ordered the termination of the contract with Levant Construction Ltd on the reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin – Imasabor) being executed under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, due to non-performance.
This decision was reached during a meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd, where I expressed disapproval over the failure and/or neglect of Messrs Levant to live up to expectation in their contractual duties.
“Despite warnings and notices, Levant Construction Ltd failed to respond, leading to the decision to terminate the contract.
“I have directed the Permanent Secretary to get the job properly terminated and write a letter for joint measurement.
“Additionally, we will request repayment of the APG, and if necessary, the matter will be taken to EFCC.
“Conversely, I expressed satisfaction with the outcome of discussions with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd, who have agreed to step up work on their respective sections of the road project.
“I commend the Governors of Delta State and Edo State for their interventions on some kilometers of the road project,” the statement read.
The minister further called on Nigerians across the 6 geo- political zones to disregard the speculations going on in some quarters over marginalization in road construction under the present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration.
Umahi however insisted that the Renewed Hope administration is committed towards inclusive roads development across the six geo-political zones.
“Regarding allegations of marginalization in road infrastructure development, I want to assure Nigerians that the Renewed Hope administration is committed to inclusive development across the six geo-political zones.
“We are executing numerous road projects in the North, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road, and Kano Northern Bypass, among others.
“In fact, the North has 52% of the four legacy projects of Mr. President, while the South has 48%.
“I urge Nigerians to see these projects as national endeavors, benefiting the entire country.
“I remain committed to the Ministry’s mission of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s road infrastructure and showcasing the transformational power of the Renewed Hope administration,”he stated.
