The minister of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Hassan Muhammed Lawal, has called on contractors handling federal highway projects to ensure that they execute their jobs effectively.
This call came even as the minister has set up machinery that will carry out proper supervision of ongoing works.
Muhammed Lawal who made the call at the signing of contract agreement for the newly approved road contracts in Abuja, disclosed that a total of N92.28 billion had been accessed and that several requests for payment were being processed for payment to contractors.
“In the roads design, construction and rehabilitation works, N92.28 billion have been accessed and that several requests for payment were being processed” he said.
The minister reiterated the importance of supervision on road contract as it motivates the contractors, using the opportunity to appeal to the consultants, field engineers and controllers of works to be on their toes.
According to him, it will ensure that projects are effectively supervised and monitored.
“In our own administrative level, we do intervene by periodically going out to supervise these projects. The field engineers and the consultants are in a better position to ensure that contractors are doing the jobs within specification, and also effectively” he said.
He also appealed to Nigerians worried about the condition of the highways to appreciate the fact that the terrible condition of the highways predated this administration, saying that it dates back to 20 to 30 years and as we all know, it is easier to spoil than to repair.
With the effort of the present administration, all hinds will be on deck, as the ministry will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that these roads are fixed in perfect condition.
Responding, the minister of state in the ministry, Grace Ekpiwhue, warned that standards would not be compromised and encouraged contractors to ensure highest standard to guarantee long life support to these roads.
“A lot of money is being committed to these projects and we expect that when the road is done, it should be able to serve us as long as possible before there is need for maintenance”, she said.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, managing director, Impress Bakolori Nigeria Plc, Carlo Pepe, promised that they would be committed to the completion of the projects in terms of quality and relationship with community and Nigerians in general.