…say minister of works Umahi praised contractor without commencement of work
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately revoke the contract for the construction of flooded East-West Road to Rock Result Nigeria Limited and other contracts and re-award the same to a company with expertise and capacity.
This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Oboku Oforjil, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State on the ‘Need to Revoke the Contract for the Construction of Flooded Sections of the East-West Road Connecting Major Communities in Bayelsa State.
This is even as Rep. Oborku said that on April 11, 2024, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, while on an inspection tour at East-West Road praised Rock Result Nigeria Limited, but till date nothing has been achieved.
The lawmaker noted that the East-West Road is one of the important roads in the Federation which has significantly
contributed to the country’s economic and social development, it connects major regions facilitating trade, commerce, and cultural exchange, thus improved access to markets, industries, and social services.
The motion reads: “Also aware that the Federal Ministry of Works awarded the contract for the construction of the box culverts for the repairs of the flooded section of the East-West Road (Kaiama-Ahoada Section) to Rock Result Nigeria Limited, but the company has failed to execute the contract, causing traffic disruptions, loss of lives and fatalities;
Rep. Oborku expressed worries that the East West road has been in a dilapidated state for years particularly at Iheke in Ahoada East Local Government of Rivers State, Aven in Patani and Umeh in Isoko South Local Government Areas of Delta State connecting Bayelsa State to Rivers and Delta States and other parts of the country.
“Also worried that Federal Government is prioritizing the coastal road over the crucial eastwest road, which is vital for the country’s economic survival”, he added.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandate its Committee on Works to ensure compliance.