Works Minister, Umahi Summons Contractor To Abuja Over Shoddy Job

By Ayodele Oni

Minister for Works,  Dave Umahi has expressed displeasure on the shoddy execution by contractor handling of the construction work on Akure/Ado Ekiti highway.

He has therefore ordered the contractor handling the project to report in Abuja for further briefing on the project.

The minister and a team from the ministry were in Ekiti state on Saturday to inspect ongoing work on some federal roads.

He commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to infrastructure upgrade in the state, even as he assured him of Federal Government’s plan to speed up the construction/ rehabilitation of roads in the state.

The Minister gave the commendation when he and the Ministry’s team, in company of the Governor undertook an inspection of some federal roads in the state.

He said Governor Oyebanji has made sufficed case for the roads as part of his shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

The Minister inspected the Akure- Ikere -Ado dualized road, the Ado- ABUAD- Ijan road that was recently awarded and visited the ABUAD Industrial Park Road, which is a model of concrete road construction.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti shortly after the inspection, Umahi explained that the purpose of the visit was to asses the level of work done on some on-going roads projects in the state particularly Ado/Ijan road and Ado – Ikere – Akure road and to also assess the state of federal roads in the state.

Acknowledging that the roads are major corridor to other parts of the country, the Minister assured that his ministry will ensure timely completion of the roads for the benefit of citizens and economic development of the state.

He assured the people of the state that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the road infrastructure across the country and will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that the projects are completed within stipulated timeline.

“We came to look at some of the ongoing projects in Ekiti state, especially Ado- Ekiti to Ijan road. I don’t know it is a major corridor that evacuates a lot of commercial produce from Benin to Lokoja and the southern part of the country.

“The Governor is very desirous of this road and of course Chief Afe Babalola, we have looked at the roads and we are coming back, my team will give it all the desired attention, that’s what the Governor wants.”

In his remark, Governor Oyebanji, who appreciated the Minister for his visit, said the inspection was a testament to the fact that President Tinubu- led federal government was committed to development of sub-national.

He assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that federal roads are brought to satisfactory standard that will enhance the quality of life for the citizens.

“Well, this speaks to alignment of vision between the state and the Federal Government, like the Minister said, it is one government and we believe in the development of our people.

“This is in response to request from Ekiti people to come and look at the state of things here and it’s so exciting and I must commend His Excellency for this swift response, that shows the level of commitment of Asiwaju’s administration to development of sub-national.”