By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday stated that he will take decisive action against contractors who deliver substandard work for state projects.
The Governor emphasized that severe penalties will be imposed on both these contractors and site engineers who approve subpar work for payment.
This warning came shortly after his inspection of the 6.5-kilometer Achalla-Ibusa Road project, where he expressed disappointment over the poor quality of drainage provided by the contractor.
Governor Oborevwori stated that his decision to inspect the site was prompted by negative feedback from individuals he had previously assigned to evaluate the project.
He reiterated that his administration would not accept any form of shoddy workmanship.
“This year, we will prioritize inspections. The work done on Achalla-Ibusa Road is unacceptable. I have instructed the Commissioner and the Director that we cannot accept the current drainage quality,” he asserted, highlighting that inadequate drainage could adversely impact the road’s stone base and asphalt layers.
He continued, “This serves as a warning to all contractors. I will personally inspect every contract. If you deliver poor work, you will not be paid. Even if payment has been made, the site engineer will face consequences. This government will not tolerate collusion between contractors and site engineers to produce inferior projects.”
The Governor stressed that some contractors will face blacklisting for providing substandard services. He added, “We will not waste public funds on projects that do not yield value for our citizens.”
Beginning this January, he pledged to conduct personal inspections of projects throughout all 25 local government areas. He warned that contractors who fail to report to their sites or delay work will have their contracts revoked and projects reassigned to more diligent contractors.
“Our terrain demands that we optimize the dry season for construction. Over the next four months, we aim to complete and commission numerous projects,” he remarked, noting that he hopes to celebrate significant progress in various sectors, including roads, health, and education, by the end of his two-year term.
Governor Oborevwori also inspected a recently completed 2-kilometer road leading to the 63 Brigade Barracks in Aboh-Ogwashi, commending the contractor for their rapid execution of the project, awarded just three months prior.
“The successful completion of this road will encourage development and support the Army’s ongoing construction efforts in the area,” he said.
Other sites inspected by the Governor included a gully erosion site along the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, as well as the perimeter fence and road around Asaba International Airport and Kwekagbor Layout, located opposite Summit Junction in Asaba.