In a bold move aimed at accelerating progress on the Calabar Itu Road project, the Federal Government has issued a stern warning to construction giants Julius Berger and CCECC, threatening to terminate their contracts if they fail to promptly return to the project site within the specified timeline.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, speaks on the ultimatum during a high-stakes Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Uyo on Saturday. The Works Minister emphasized the urgent need to reignite momentum on the road project, underscoring the availability of ample funds allocated for the essential infrastructure development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing the contractors directly, Umahi minced no words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the current progress, particularly calling out CCECC for completing a minimal 2.5 kilometers of a 35-kilometer stretch, a mere fraction of the expected output. He highlighted that Governor Umo Eno had already resolved the compensation issue, removing any legitimate barriers to progress.
The minister underscored the imperative for swift action, stating, “By the end of this coming week, if Julius Berger fails to remobilize to site, and CCECC fails to get mobilized in at least three sections, the jobs will be terminated.”
Of particular concern to the government is the dire state of the Akwa Ibom to Cross River route through Itu and Udoakpan Ekpo, labelling it as the “worst” of the roads in the entire South-South region. Umahi wasn’t shy in condemning the lackluster performance of RCC, who had been allotted over N40 billion for a 15-kilometer section, and yet had only made negligible progress.
“We have kept the price even though we don’t believe in it, but since it has been awarded and signed; but they are playing tricks,” the minister asserted, exasperated by the lack of tangible advancements despite substantial financial investment.
Umahi revealed that the government had been pressuring RCC to rectify their shortcomings, warning, “By the end of next week, our 14 days notice of termination will elapse and we would terminate the project and give it to those who have mastery in the laying of concrete to come and use concrete in doing those roads.”
This stringent stance taken by the government underscores a commitment to efficiency and accountability in infrastructure development, signaling a clear intolerance for project delays and underperformance.
