Daily Independent (Lagos)
1 July 2009
Abuja — The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Ufot Ekaette, on Thursday in Abuja warned contractors handling projects for the ministry to be more diligent. Ekaette said this at the signing of an agreement on road projects in the South South zone of the country.
The projects are the East-West Road (Section II) from Port Harcourt-Eleme junction to Ahoada and Kaiama. The contract, worth some N74 billion, was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd.
Ekaette said that the contractors must execute the contracts to specification and deliver them on schedule.
"This ministry will not accept any substandard job and will never allow any contractor to disappear with public funds.
"As you are aware, this road was first awarded to one of the leading construction companies in Nigeria in 2006, but had to be abandoned by the company as a result of militant attacks, the last of which culminated in the loss of lives," he said.
Ekaette said the Federal Government considered the road very important, as it would open up the Niger Delta region. He explained that the road is expected to be completed in 48 months.
"On our part, we are eager to ensure the early completion of the road project. As the hub of the oil and gas industry, we are conscious of the need to improve transportation facilities so that we can attract investments to the region," the minister said.
Ekaette also said the ministry would use the N51 billion approved in the 2009 budget judiciously and in the best interest of the people of the Niger Delta.
"We shall do all that is possible to avoid waste. I also want to use this opportunity to plead with our people to give the contractors a chance to do their job in the interest of the majority of the people.
"It is only by doing that that we can develop the Niger Delta and improve the pathetic condition of our communities," he added.
He said government had shown a willingness to tackle the problem of the Niger Delta and the people must reciprocate by cooperating with the administration.
In his comments, the Managing Director of Setraco, Michael Hachenbery, called on the government to address the security problem of the area for the smooth execution of the project.
"My fear is that there will be security risk in the execution of the job because we are surrounded by militants and communities and we are going to find a way to handle the whole issue with dialogue.
"We are going to find a way to satisfy them and to help in the protection of the communities and we are hoping and praying for a fast solution and for the amnesty to be accepted by MEND," he said.
President Umaru Yar'Adua had in April offered an amnesty to all militants willing to lay down their arms.
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