Amby Uneze
5 May 2009
Owerri — The Federal Government has restated its stand on zero tolerance for abandoned projects in the country, even as it has made adequate financial provision for any project awarded in the current federal budget.
Minister of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Hassan Mohammed Lawal, stated this while paying a courtesy visit on the Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, at the Government House, Owerri.
The minister who came to inspect and supervise federal road projects in the state assured of the Federal Government's determination to put in place those infrastructural developments that would be of immense benefit to the people of the country.
He emphasised that the inspection and supervision of the on-going road projects, especially that of the Owerri - Onitsha dual carriage way being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc from the Owerri end was predicated on the Federal Government's philosophy on road development as one of its seven-point agenda.
"We are here to inspect and supervise some on-going projects and we decided to inspect the Owerri - Onitsha dual carriage way being handled by Julius Berger. It is predicated on the philosophy of Mr. President that no project will be awarded without adequate financial provision made in the budget", he said.
The minister announced that there is no delay in payments as long as the certificates were made, adding that contractors had to be serious in ensuring that their projects are geared towards completion because funds would not be responsible for such projects.
He disclosed further that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last week approved contracts for 36 road projects cutting across the country of which the South-east had her share.
He observed that the projects were not bogus, but very realisable since President Umar Musa Yar'Adua had assured Nigerians that their roads would be made motorable.
Responding, Governor Ohakim expressed appreciation on the visit of the minister and used the opportunity to convey to President Yar'Adua the feelings of Imo people over his administration and his interest in the state.
Ohakim noted that the people of the South-east are very comfortable with the government of the country, saying "we no longer cry of marginalisation."
Conducting the Minister round the Owerri - Onitsha road at the Awomamma bridge head, the Commercial Manager of Julius, Mr. Wolfgang Rollermann, who represented the company's chairman, Air Vice Mashal Nurahim Imam, commended the Minister for releasing about N6 billion recently to the company. He assured the Minister that the the 35 kilometre dual carriage would be completed on or before September next year while the bridge would be ready by the end of the month.
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