The Benin/Sapele and Ologbo Road reconstruction project in Edo State faces the looming threat of termination by the federal government due to reported non-compliance with project specifications.
Levant Construction Company, tasked with the project, has come under fire from the government, accused of prioritizing political interests over fulfilling their contractual obligations despite receiving payment.
During an inspection of federal roads in the state, Minister of Works David Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the project. Umahi warned that unless the contractor demonstrates a serious commitment to the work, they risk having their contract revoked.
Umahi stated, “On Monday, we will issue a warning letter to commence permanent work. If there is no progress by Monday, they will be given a 14-day notice of termination. We have invested substantial funds into this project, and it’s disheartening to see contractors treating it with disregard.”
Highlighting the issue of contractors exploiting lax regulations, Umahi emphasized, “Such behavior would not be tolerated elsewhere. It’s a disgraceful situation, considering the hardships endured by the public. We’ve engaged with the contractors numerous times, yet the situation persists.”
The Minister underscored the government’s stance on ensuring accountability in project execution, asserting, “We won’t hesitate to terminate contracts if the terms are not met. Contractors must understand their responsibilities, and we won’t hesitate to act if they fail to deliver.”
The government’s ultimatum underscores its commitment to upholding standards and delivering essential infrastructure projects for the benefit of the populace.
