Wike dissatisfied with pace of work at OSEXII/Wasa 15-km road project

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the Outer Southern Expressway II (OSEX II) to Wasa Junction 15 kilometers road project.
Wike spoke Friday while addressing journalists shortly after inspecting the on-going construction of the Left-Hand Carriageway of OSEX II from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction
He noted that he was happy he came physically to inspect the project as he was misinformed on the progress of work.
He added that the contractor had earlier promised to deliver the project by December 2024 and not May, 2025 as being muted.
According to him: “I am not encouraged. Yesterday my attention was drawn to this road when I went to inspect the Apo-Karshi Road which took us through Wasa and I tried to find out where the company, CGC is working.
“ CGC is one of the respected companies as far as I am concerned. But as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy.
“I summoned the FCDA and CGC yesterday to really come here today to see things for ourselves, not every time them telling you that they have done so so per cent of work. There was no equipment when I passed here yesterday.
“But I believe because I said I was coming here today, they have mobilised equipment. And these are things I will not accept.
“We have paid more than 80 per cent of this contract, and the job, as far as I am concerned they have not done up to 50 per cent.
“I have told the Director Engineering Services to go and sit down with CGC and bring up the work plan.”
He continued: “CGC has told us that they are going to complete this work by May, well let them show their commitment that by May they are going to hand over this project.
“ That’s the only way I am going to accept it. And you know that this road is very very important. When this road is completed, it will help decongest traffic and boost economic activities.”
Stressing that the FCTA does not have any relationship with non performing contractors, the minister disclosed the need for routine inspections to ensure that projects are executed as scheduled, adding that relying on reports will not yield the desired result.
“We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. Anybody knows our position that if you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor or a foreign contractor we don’t care.
“All we are concerned about is the work. If you do the work, we go along with you. If you don’t do the work, we kick you out. And we make you to pay for it. And there will be sanctions.
“You cannot just collect our money and we just say ok, go. No. when we kick you out, we make you to suffer for it”, he stated.
Present during the inspection was the Director, Engineering Services of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, other senior officials of the FCTA, the CGC team, led by the Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Lv Haiming.