ASABA/Nigeria: Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine, has reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s commitment to engaging competent contractors for road construction projects.
This was disclosed on Thursday, August 22, 2024, during a courtesy visit by members of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, to his office in Asaba, the State capital.
Aniagwu highlighted the rigorous efforts undertaken by the ministry to select contractors who can deliver quality projects, acknowledging the complexities inherent in road construction.
“A whole lot of effort is put in by the ministry to engage very competent contractors,” he noted.
He explained that road construction involves multiple factors that can affect the outcome, necessitating careful planning and execution.
The Commissioner detailed the practice of retention, where a portion of payment is withheld to ensure that any issues that arise post-construction can be rectified without additional costs to the government.
“If a road is valued at ten naira and we pay up to nine naira, we hold back one naira for a period of one to two years. This ensures that any problems that surface can be addressed before the final payment is released,” Aniagwu stated.
Addressing concerns about contractors allegedly abandoning projects, Aniagwu clarified that delays often result from external factors, such as weather conditions, rather than incompetence or neglect.
He cited the example of a project delayed by the onset of the rainy season, explaining that proceeding with certain works during heavy rains could compromise the quality of the road.
“Even we, as a ministry, will ask the contractor to pause during the rainy season to ensure the integrity of the project,” he said.
Aniagwu also emphasized the importance of allowing indigenous contractors to develop their skills over time, noting that many have proven their capability by delivering high-quality projects, including complex bridges.
He reassured Deltans that while there may be delays, these are often necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Kenneth Orusi, Chairman of the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel, thanked the Commissioner and his team for their openness and urged that future projects be awarded to contractors who can maintain the high standards expected by the state.
