Advert
The Federal Authorities has accepted remaining cost of N280 billion for the completion of Bodo-Bonny highway undertaking.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi disclosed this on Wednesday throughout an inspection go to to the undertaking website.
Umahi, in an announcement by his Particular Adviser on Media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, warned that the contractor dealing with the undertaking, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, should work around the clock to beat the undertaking supply timeline of December 2024.
Umahi who additionally expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny undertaking implementation by the contractor, insisted that the sum of money paid should correspond with the undertaking when accomplished.
He, nevertheless, enjoined the contractor to make sure that no additional excuses got on the undertaking supply timeline as Federal Authorities wouldn’t approve additional funds as variation in any way.
“And in case the satan involves play, no matter occurs, we aren’t rising this undertaking price. It’s a package deal, and it’s known as lump sum remaining completion package deal to Julius Berger to do a wonderful job and fix their title. It has been 11 years, and we don’t need it to exceed this 12 months. And so it’s in your curiosity that you simply cooperate,” the minister stated.
He added, “I can be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is there something that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast-track this engagement in order that we will arrive on the vacation spot by the fifteenth of December 2024?”
He counseled the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG who’re funding the undertaking.
The Minister nevertheless, threatened the revoke the 15km East West Highway (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) from RCC for his or her inordinate delay on the undertaking, regardless of receiving mobilisation for the job.
He warned that Federal Authorities wouldn’t entertain any request for Variation on Value (VOP).
“We’re very unhappy with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC. The federal authorities has paid over 40 billion on this undertaking, and never even one kilometer has been accomplished. And let me make it very clear that the associated fee we’ve got given on the evaluate of this undertaking doesn’t appeal to any VOP. There is no such thing as a VOP on the undertaking so far as the charges are involved now.”
He decried the sufferings of the highway customers and expressed intention to supply funds to take care of the highway pending the time the corporate would remobilise to the positioning.
“So we’ve got to see the place we will seek for funds and get any contractor round right here to take care of the highway. We have to preserve the highway. We have to pity the folks. It’s not acceptable what our individuals are passing via for an excuse from RCC that they’re importing machines for the job,” he stated.
Different tasks inspected by the Minister embody the dualization of East-West highway part II (sub part II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being dealt with by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the development of a number of field culverts at flood broken areas alongside the dualization of East-West Highway (part II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being dealt with by Messrs Rock End result Nigeria Ltd.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Peter Nwaebonyi who was a part of the inspection, and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo thanked President Bola Tinubu for the nice distinction his administration has introduced within the Nigeria’s highway infrastructure trajectory.
They equally counseled the Minister of Works for dealing with the mandate of his ministry with ardour and professionalism.
Sen. Nwaebonyi stated, “I need to use this chance to understand as soon as once more the performing Minister of Works who’s doing splendidly nicely on all our roads throughout the nation.
“That is one in all them, the Bodo-Bonny Highway. And I consider that with this fixed supervision, the contractors will dwell as much as expectations and ship the job inside file time.”
On his half, Professor Jumbo stated, “I need to commend your patriotism. I need to commend your professionalism. One factor that this administration has proven us is that we enlisted folks of credibility and folks of integrity. I commend Mr. President, for bringing such a minister that’s dedicated to giving Nigeria the very best. That is the sensible side of Renewed Hope.”
The consultant of NLNG and supervisor, Authorities Relations, Dienye Godson additionally thanked President Tinubu and his group for the need to finish the undertaking.
“I need to commend the Honourable Minister for all of the efforts he has put in. He has spent a number of weeks, and clearly has been very affected person. And that has led us to the place we’re at the moment. So, as an organization, we’re joyful. So, at this stage now, we’ll return and undergo our personal inside processes to make sure that we offer as a lot assist as we will to the federal government.”
The undertaking contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, assured via its Challenge Supervisor that, “We won’t lean again, and we’ll proceed and expedite the re-mobilisation of this undertaking to make sure our full dedication. And as you rightly have stated, Honourable Minister, we as companions in progress should have all fingers on deck.”