Road infrastructure: Don’t lower standard – Wike cautions contractors

By Stanley Onyekwere

In the wake of accelerated construction of road infrastructure in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has charged contractors handling such projects to not lower the acceptable standard, because at the end of the day, they would be made to return and ensure that things are done well.
Wike made the appeal yesterday during a a routine inspection visit to the Outer southern Expressway (OSEX), stretching from the AA Rano behind the villa through deeper life junction, SARS, Apo roundabout to Wasa District , which is being constructed by China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited, and the Northern N-20 expressway in Jahi District, which is being constructed by Gilmor Construction firm.
However, while noting that the contractors have done very well, given the quality job done so far, the Minister commended them for keeping to high standard of work.
He disclosed that the contractors have assured that these roads will be completed on time, as they are among the projects earmarked for one-year in office anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.
It is part of our routine assignment to make sure that we supervise the projects, so that it would be done to our satisfaction. Yesterday, we went to some roads and bridges, and today again we have visited the Outer Southern Park area, which is being constructed by China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited, the North N20, which is being constructed by Gilmor.
And the contractors have assured us that these roads will be completed on time, and we believed that by the special grace of God, it is one of those projects earmarked for one year in office for Mr President.
He said: “When I came on board, these roads were abandoned and I had to invite the contractors, and then we sat down and agreed on the way of funding. Apparently, it has been worked out very well. It is going to be a lot of road commissioning in Abuja.
“The contractors have done very well, given the very quality job, I commend them. I appeal to them not to lower standard, because at the end of the day, we will still know, as they will still come back to repeat or make sure that things are done well.
“I believe in them, and other jobs they are doing they have also assured us. For me, we have made arrangements for funding, Mr. President has said severally that he doesn’t want to hear excuses, and he has given me that directive.”
According to him: “ The money approved in the supplementary budget, we believe any moment from now we will receive fund which will be channeled to most of these projects.
“So, we won’t hear complains about no funding like they have said last time. No project will be awarded where we know we no fund, and even when there is fund, and it is not enough, I will not embark on such project, so that we don’t need to suffer the people.
“I’m pleased that the people are happy as they are satisfied with what we are doing with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is not a magic, as it is a matter of commitment to satisfy my people. When you the right thing, the people will jubilate.
“They have suffered, and they know. Looking at the roads being completed, economic activities will boom, and this is what the people want. It is not theories, it is being practical, let them see the action, they have lost hope, but by the Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, hope is coming back to the people, and there is now confidence in government.”