Niger Gov Reads Riot Act to Contractors

By Saka Bolaji, Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Sani Bello has warned contractors handling state government projects across the state against shoddy execution of project, threatening that any contractor found wonting would be seriously dealt with.

Bello stated the state government would not take excuse for delay in the execution of projects.

He handed down the warning when he paid an unscheduled inspection to some road project sites in Bosso and Chanchaga Local Government area of the state.

The governor directed the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development to ensure quick completion of the rehabilitation of Minna-Bida road and to meet with the contractor handling the maintenance of Minna-Suleja road with a view to see palliative measure that can be applied to relief motorists of challenges on the 98 kilometre road.

Expressing disappointment on the slow pace of work on the 10 km Tagwai Dam Road in Tungagoro, Bello said excuse for non-performance by any contractor would not be acceptable.

The governor said: “of all the road projects being carried out in the state, this is the only road project that is giving me concern. I am not happy at the level of work on this road. I cannot see any significant progress from the last time I paid a visit here. I am really concern.

“Despite the state of the economy and dwindling resources, we make funds available for all the projects being executed, I will not accept any excuse from any contractor who is feet dragging in delivery. I will not take excuse if you will not meet deadline for project completion.

“This is dry season, people are being exposed to dust, especially those living along the road are exposed to health hazard, the dust this road creates is a threat to the health of our people, their houses get dusty, food gets contaminated by dust, goods and wares in their shops get dusty.

“We are not going to allow you to expose our people to health hazards. Henceforth you (contractor) are to wet the entire stretch of the road with water two to three times daily. Get a water tanker and regularly wet the dusty road. We will not allow the health and source of livelihood of our people to be exposed to danger.”

The governor, however, expressed satisfaction at the quality of work at the Chanchaga Water Works road network, Lagos Street and the ongoing project along Brighter Schools areas. He was also satisfied with the level and quality of work on Fadupke-Gbeganu- White Heart Road.

Bello then called on the people to protect all the infrastructural facilities being put in place by the government, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to open up more areas in the state.