Yenagoa — Information Minister Labaran Maku has expressed worry over the slow pace of work exhibited by the contractor handling the National Integrated Power Plant (NIPP) Lot 4 in Gbaran, Bayelsa State.

Maku, who spoke yesterday when the National Good Governance Tour team visited the site, raised concerns that the contractor, Rockson Engineering Ltd, may not meet the December deadline given by the Federal Government for the completion of all power projects across the country.

The contractor, who is handling NIPP projects in Egbema and Omoku all in the South-South, was meant to complete the project in 2012.

"Honestly, with the way you are talking here, we are not comfortable, everybody here is not happy. Gas is standing by, other major components are ready but you are not ready to power the turbines, what is the problem. I believe Rockson has a story to tell because I don't believe in the date you are giving us; this site does not look like any serious construction work is going on," he said.

Also speaking, Special Adviser on Power to Bayelsa State Governor, Olice Kemenanabo, expressed fears that the contractor might abandon the project if not called to order by appropriate authorities.

He said some members of the community had reported that the contractor had not been on site for over five months with no particular reason.

Project Manager, Basil Ozoh, called for calm, saying that the situation was not as bad as it was expressed by the team. He told the delegation that a lot of work had been done on the project already and testing of the facility would begin in September.