Minister Faults Quality Of Road Projects

The Minister of Works, Senator Mohammed Sanusi Dagash, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace and quality of work by some contractors handling road construction in Enugu State and other parts of the South East Zone.

Senator Dagash, who made his feelings known when he called on the Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime at the Government House, observed with dismay that the contractors could not meet the expectations of the people.

The Minister, who came in campany of   the Minister of State in the Ministry, Mr. Chris Ogienwonyi told the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, that they were in the State to inspect the on-going road construction and rehabilitations exercise in Enugu and other states of the South East Zone.

The Minister, however, assured the people of the State that within a short time the tempo and quality of work on the roads will improve, adding that efforts are on top gear to fully mobilise the contractors to enable them meet the expectations of the people and Government.

He noted that his team would inspect the Obollo-Afor – Ninth Mile Corner road and Ninth Mile – Port-Harcourt Express road with a view to seeing how the Ministry could mobilise the contractors to ensure good quality of work.

Senator Dagash further explained that his team travelled to Enugu through the roads so as to appreciate the State of the Federal roads in the area.

Expressing sadness over the poor state of federal roads in the South-East zone, the minister said, “I will not apologise on behalf of the contractors handling these roads, but I promise that in three months time you will see an appreciable work on these roads.”

He observed that Enugu State, being strategically placed, should as a matter of priority, join hands with the Federal Government in road infrastructure development.

The senator, however, applauded the State Government for its giant stride in road constructions, which he said, “is worthy of emulation”.

Responding, Governor Chime informed the Minister that road construction is in the priority list in thesState’s four point agenda, adding that in constructing the roads it did not discriminate against the federal government roads in the state.

Governor Chime added that a huge sum of money had been expended by the State Government in the reconstruction of these roads to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to reimburse the state on the amount so far spent on these roads, considering the lean resources of the State.

The State Chief Executive noted that the need for good road network cannot be over-emphasised, pointing out that good roads help save lives and property and ensure success in business.

He observed that the people of Enugu State are going through nightmares in using federal roads in the State because of its dilapidated conditions and appealed to the Minister to expedite action on the on-going rehabilitation exercise and save the people from more hardship

The Governor congratulated the minister and the minister of state for Works for their recent appointments.

According to him, considering the antecedents of the two ministers, their appointment is a right decision by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.