By Ella Anokam
Ibadan – Mr Suleiman Zarma, the Minister of State (II) Power, Works and Housing, has warned indigenous contractors handling the National Housing Programme (NHP) to avoid sharp practices and nonchalant attitude while executing the projects.
Zarma gave the warning while inspecting the NHP site located at Kilometre 17, Oyo-Ibadan Expressway, Onidundu in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State.
It was gathered that the three contractors handling the infrastructure projects had not reported to the site since February even after receiving due payment.
The minister expressed displeasure over such attitude toward a developmental project of the Federal Government.
“There are conditions and clauses while handling contracts; we need to ascertain the terms, offence and penalty to remedy the situation.
“We will invite the contractors to find out what were their reasons for leaving the site and if there are sanctions according to the offence, we will do that.
“After checking, if it means to revoke the contract, we will do so to save such a huge project.”
He observed that the country was suffering from attitudinal problem, culture of lies, expressing disgust that contractors would collect money on government projects and walk away without delivering.
According to the minister, any contractor found guilty of such offences, would be blacklisted.
He advised contractors to be committed by improving on their pace of work in order to deliver their projects on schedule.
He said that government had much confidence in indigenous contractors.
“The present administration is determined to encourage and promote indigenous contractors,” Zarma said.
Earlier, Mr Mosunmade Odusanya, the Director, Architectural Services in the ministry and Oyo State Team Leader, had informed the minister of the contractor’s misconduct.
Odusanya listed the three contractors as JGP Bell Nigeria Ltd., handling the two bedroom units, AMG Nigeria handling two blocks of flats and New-Way Construction handling the three bedroom units.
“Government has paid the contractors from February till date.
“I have written letters notifying the ministry of their actions but I appeal that it will be addressed for the project to be completed.
According to Odusanya, the 72 housing-unit project had engaged over 4,000 workers, including contractors, professionals, skilled and unskilled labour and food vendors.
The minister also paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Ali.
Zarma, during the courtesy visit, appealed to the governor for additional hectares of land for the construction of the second phase of the NHP in the state.
Responding, the governor noted that the decision of the state government to embark on road rehabilitation and construction projects was to promote massive development for the benefit of Nigerians.
Ajimobi, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to refund the N33 billion the state government had expended on the roads.
“Our first four years were dedicated to the development of road network; we have expended massively on the resources and development of these infrastructure.
“We appeal that you use your good offices in ensuring the repayment.
He also urged the Federal Government to hand over the maintenance of federal roads to the state government.
The governor also solicited the quick completion of the rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, noting that it is the gateway to the northern part of the country.
Furthermore, he expressed sadness that accidents on the road had claimed many lives.
He gave an assurance that additional land would be provided for the second phase of the NHP project in the state.
(NAN)