Works Minister orders contractors to return to site within 14 days

•Vows to clamp down on erring persons, companies

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Works Engineer David Umahi, has orders contractors handing federal roads to return to sites within 14 days.
Umahi who gave the order on Wednesday in Abuja, vowed to clamp down on any erring contractor shortchanging the federal government.
The minister also threatened to terminate the contract of those who fail to mobilise to the site after the expiration of the deadline.
Peoples Daily recalls that President Bola Tinubu had approved 60 additional road projects to be completed in four years.
On those who will benefit, the minister said any contractor with four projects is no longer qualified to bid for any more advertised projects.
“If after 14 days, and after all my pleadings, you don’t yield to this directive, you will leave the site. We have learnt that some of you want to sabotage me to prove that concrete is not good. That is a lie, concrete is very good. Go to Lagos, the seaport, and see what the contractor is doing. Go to my state to see what I did. Please do not make yourself difficult because you are dealing with a very soft person.
“This is all we have to say and there are no more discussions and meetings on this. We are not saying don’t use asphalt, you can use it if you want to but you must do so on the following conditions. We have moved from asking us to give us a bank guarantee to just an insurance guarantee. This is just to let you know that I want to succeed.
“Mr President did a concrete road in Lagos and he reminded me about this yesterday. I believe Nigerians will support us on the fact that when you do this asphalt, there should be a guarantee on it. So, please stop harassing me with the price. We have set our prices. Even this morning, the directors met and increased the price. I accepted. The price is only for Trunk A. Trunk B and C will not enjoy that price because it is going to be on a different design.
“You contractors cheat us on the thickness of asphalt. The bitumen imported is of bad quality. We don’t want that again, there is no such thing overseas. Use the type of asphalt used abroad.
“I believe I have called enough meetings on this issue and we must move forward. Let me advise that contractors are meeting and ganging up and some of you also come out to tell me what is said in the meeting. It is very un-useful to you because there is no meeting that will make you back down on the principles and policy of the Ministry of Works.
“The policy will only stop if I am removed from office. If we have money to do ten kilometers we will do that and renew the hopes of our people. If what we offer you is not okay with you, you can leave.
“The first is to direct all contractors back to the site within 14 days and this directive is in line with the contract. After 14 days contractors have not fully mobilised to the site. I will issue letters of termination and this is very clear.
“No more negotiation and this is very important. I am pleading that you respect our position and challenges and please move to the site to do permanent work. “