By Daniel Maduka
For failing to mobilise to site, four clear weeks after a ministerial directives, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has threatened to revoke the contractual agreement between the Federal Government and Messers China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC in respect of the reconstruction of a section of the PortHarcourt/ Aba Federal highway.
Consequently, the Hon Minister has directed the Federal Director of Works in charge of Rivers state to take steps and issue the construction giant a 14-day Termination Notice, paying due regard to due process.
Engr Umahi also directed that the contract be terminated immediately if the contracting firm fails to fully mobilize to site at the end of the 14-day notice.
It will be recalled that the Minister had, about a month ago, while on an inspection tour of the project site, directed the Chinese Construction giant to go back to site to complete the project.
In a statement signed and issued on Sunday, February 18, 2024, by the Special Adviser to the Minister on media, Bar Orji Uchenna, Umahi lamented that one of the major reasons for the escalation of contract costs in the country is some contractors penchant for delaying project execution.
He noted that some contracting firms are in the habit of staying on a project for years, only to turn around to request for cost variations.
According to the statement ,Engr. Umahi said that the federal government with recourse to due process will terminate all contractual agreements with firms out to delay contract execution in the country,.
The Minister of Works therefore warned contractors to either be committed and sincere in their dealings, or face the wrath of the Federal Government.
