The Chairman of the Integrity Group of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Martin Nwachukwu Bolum, has warned contractors handling government projects in Delta State against executing substandard roads and other infrastructure, describing such acts as capable of undermining Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s efforts to provide durable and quality infrastructure for the people of the state.
Bolum gave the warning yesterday while speaking with journalists following the decision of the Delta State Executive Council to terminate some contracts over poor performance.
He said the Integrity Group, as a partner in the administration’s development efforts, would not hesitate to petition the state government and relevant authorities against contractors whose execution of public projects falls below approved specifications and contractual standards.
According to him, contractors who deliberately compromise the quality of government projects after receiving payment for specified standards should be held accountable.
“Integrity Group will not hesitate to petition any ailing contractor to the state government for appropriate investigation and action where there is evidence of poor performance, false representations or other violations connected with the execution of public contracts.
“Henceforth, Integrity Group will monitor and assess public contracts across the state to ensure that projects are executed in accordance with their approved designs, specifications and contractual quality standards. The era of building substandard works in Delta State is far gone. Our governor wants durable work.”
Bolum particularly commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the decision to terminate poorly performing contracts, saying the action demonstrated the administration’s determination to protect public funds and ensure that contractors deliver value for money.
Among the contracts terminated by the State Executive Council were the Okerenkoko Township Road; construction of Adjei Street and School Road with interlocking stones at a new layout in Warri South; and the permanent office complex for the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, had explained that the affected contracts were terminated following recommendations by the State Tenders Board after the contractors failed to deliver the projects at the expected pace.
He said the termination would enable the government to commence fresh procurement processes and re-award the projects to contractors with the capacity to complete them.
Bolum also commended the governor for the approval of massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary schools across the 25 local government areas of the state. The approval was among the major resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba, presided over by Governor Oborevwori.
Aniagwu said the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education had been directed to immediately assess schools across the state and identify those requiring rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.
He said the intervention was designed to provide pupils, students and teachers with safer and more conducive learning environments.
The Commissioner said the decision was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and delivering visible development projects across Delta State.
The State Executive Council also approved several other infrastructure and welfare projects, including the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, additional residential quarters for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and 92 residential quarters for medical personnel at the Osubi Specialist Hospital.
The Council further approved the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum–Ogume Road at an estimated cost of more than N7 billion, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several other roads across the state.
Other approved road projects include the reconstruction of Uba Egbelemeji–Ugbenikoko Road in Warri North; rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mosogar Community Road Junction–Okwueka Road; and reconstruction of the Old Oviorie–Agbarho–Eku Road.
The Council also approved the completion of the storm drainage project around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba to address flooding and the reconstruction of internal roads at Warri Central Hospital to improve access and movement within the facility.
Bolum said the scale of the projects demonstrated the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, but stressed that the success of the administration’s investment would ultimately depend on contractors delivering projects according to approved standards.
He therefore urged contractors handling government projects to regard their contracts as a responsibility to the people of Delta State and not merely as business opportunities.
He called on professional bodies, civil society organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at monitoring public projects and ensuring that taxpayers receive value for money.
“Delta people deserve roads and infrastructure that will stand the test of time. Government may award the contract and provide the funds, but the contractor has a responsibility to deliver the quality for which the people have paid,” Bolum said.
He assured the public that the Integrity Group would continue to monitor public infrastructure projects across Delta State and bring credible evidence of defective or poorly executed projects to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
