Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has stated that contractors who fail to abide by the contractual agreement in handling projects in the state will be sanctioned.

Governor Wike said it is unacceptable for contractors, particularly those who have received full payment before the COVID-19 pandemic to use it as an excuse not to deliver their projects on time or compromise set standard.

The governor issued the warning shortly after inspecting projects located in Eleme and Tai local government areas of the state on Friday.

Governor Wike said while the structural work of the five thousand capacity auditorium at the  National Youth service Corps orientation camp in Nonwa is commendable, the contract will however  be reviewed.

According to the governor, the review has become necessary because the contractor refused to make the furnishing of the auditorium an integral part of the original design.

“I don’t know how anybody would design a modern structure and begin to talk about terazzo floor. You can’t also construct a building without talking about  furnishing. These things have to go hand in hand.

“I’ll make sure that the right thing is done. We have paid 100% and what I have seen I’m not satisfied.

“Again, the contractor has no reason to use covid-19 as reason for the delay. Payment was made to him In November 2019, and covid-19 started in march 2020.

“We have to be very strict with contractors; those who do not want to fulfil their contractual agreement, government will take its stand and sanction them even if the supervising ministry or agency may not have done very well,” he added.

Governor Wike also said the various projects at the NYSC orientation camp serve as support to federal agencies located in the state as they continue to render services to Rivers people.

“They are here to serve Rivers people. There is need to give them support. We have done the internal roads within the NYSC camp, and we have completely renovated the entire building structure for them,” he emphasised.

The governor who also inspected the progress of work at the Community Secondary School in Eteo community in Eleme local government area said his administration has projects sited in every local government of the state and that he is committed to completing them.

Governor Wike said a directive has been given to the contractor handling the community school to add the construction of a library for reading activities and a chapel auditorium for regular religious worship.

Rivers state governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the three flyover bridges under construction in Port Harcourt the state capital will be completed one month ahead of the initial deadline of February 2021.

The new development is coming after  Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the Construction firm handling the projects assured of delivering the Rebisi flyover (Garrision Junction) by October 2020.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting the flyover bridges, on Thursday, Governor Wike said his administration is mindful to every  promises made to Rivers people.

Such promises have included delivering critical infrastructure that will improve the economic status of the state and the life of the people.

“If you look at the Rebisi Flyover at Garrison junction, you’ll see that they are working hard to finish with the concrete super structure by October so that motorists can ply the bridge. That’s what I’ve always said, when you give work to good contractors,  you will be comfortable that those jobs will be delivered.

“From what I have seen, ahead of their schedule  of the work, it is important to know that Julius Berger is committed to make sure they handover the projects even before the time scheduled,” he said.

Commenting on the Rumuola flyover that is billed for expansion,  Governor Wike said the chaotic traffic situation experienced there will be addressed with the planned expansion.

“Rumuola flyover was built under the military government. When there is maintenance work to do or a vehicle breaks down, it causes a lot of traffic jam, so the need to expand the flyover became necessary.

“The contract papers have been signed  and I believe they are preparing to go to site within the next few days.

“Generally,  we are happy to achieve such feat within the shortest possible time and with the of quality job done. We want the people to be confident that we will not take their mandate for granted and they will not regret reelecting us,” he added.

Regional Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Mr. Juergen Fischer said they have increased the pace of   work at their sites and with the concrete super structure laid, the Rebisi flyover will be delivered at the end of October 2020.

He explained that while the Rumuogba Flyover will completed one month later, the Rumuola flyover will be expanded to allow for service lanes,  a new roundabout,  and installed traffic light.

Rivers state governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated commitment to upgrading facilities in schools that have contributed in moulding prominent personalities and made the state famous, educationally.

Governor Wike gave the assurance after inspecting the progress of rehabilitation work at the Government Comprehensive Secondary School and the Enitonia High School located in Borikiri Town in the Port Harcourt local government area of the state.

The governor expressed sadness over wastage of funds by  the previous administration in building new schools far away from where large number of people reside and abandoned structures of the old school.

He said if proper attention had been  given to schools, which are located within densely populate areas they would have continued to produce renowned personalities as in the past to the benefit of the state.

“I feel so sad that these schools are in such bad state. They are schools that have made the state pride. I don’t know why government will believe and continue to build new schools instead of putting the old schools in a position where they can be very conducive for students.

“You know those who have made names in the Port Harcourt; some of them attended these old schools. I have promised that we will do all we can to bring back the schools to what they used to be.

I’ve rescheduled another meeting with the old students of the Government Comprehensive Secondary School, led by their chairman, Noble Abbey, to see what other things we will add  to the would have continued to produce renowned personalities as in the past to the benefit of the state.

“I feel so sad that these schools are in such bad state. They are schools that have made the state pride. I don’t know why government will believe and continue to build new schools instead of putting the old schools in a position where they can be very conducive for students.

“You know those who have made names in the Port Harcourt; some of them attended these old schools. I have promised that we will do all we can to bring back the schools to what they used to be.

I’ve rescheduled another meeting with the old students of the Government Comprehensive Secondary School, led by their chairman, Noble Abbey, to see what other things we will add  to the ongoing rehabilitation but the landscaping is a top priority to us, “he said.

“I won’t allow the schools to die.  We must continue to retain the name.  We will also look at the schools that  missionaries have taken over like the Okrika Grammar Schools. We will invite the missionaries to discuss the modalities,” he added.

The governor also inspected extent of work done at the Real Madrid Football Academy located at Elekahia Town and said no excuse will be accepted from the contractor from handing over the project in August.

He said the academy must commence formal training in sports  and academic activities in September when the new academic session begins.

Governor Wike commended the contractor for the pace of work  that has reach the plastering stage of the administrative, classrooms and hostel blocks.