By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl
The Senate Committee on Works has commended the policy direction and innovations of the Renewed Hope Administration in the works sector, while also backing actions to hold contractors accountable for their work.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, praised the bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling the challenges facing road infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Senator Mpigi warned that it was no longer business as usual for contractors to collect taxpayers' money and delay completing projects or do substandard work. He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for the technical innovations they have brought to the construction industry.
The Senate Committee also expressed concern over the slow pace of work on several road projects, including the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene road and the East-West Road. Senator Mpigi noted that contractors, including RCC, have received substantial funds, yet delivery remains elusive.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Works has given Julius Berger Plc an ultimatum to appear before it on December 6, 2024. Failure to appear will result in the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
In a motion moved and adopted during the investigative hearing, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong said Julius Berger Nigeria Limited was awarded a job and received funds from taxpayers, but abandoned the site after a brief period.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Nweze David Umahi, thanked the Senate leadership and Committee on Works for their support in ensuring value for money, speedy, and quality delivery of road projects. He commended President Tinubu for prioritizing the completion of inherited ongoing projects and initiating the construction of four Legacy projects across the six geo-political zones.
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