FG Directs All Contractors to Move to Site within 14 Days

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday directed and appealed to all contractors to  move to site within 14 days.

The minister gave the directive during a  meeting with contractors, partners and stakeholders in the  works sector at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.

Umahi called on contractors to desist from saying what  will be done, saying that they should rather do what is expected of them. “It is my ability to pay you and it’s your ability to do the work that matters,” he said.

A statement by the Director (Information), Press & Public Relations in the ministry, Blessing Lere-Adams, stated that the minister therefore directed that letters be issued to all contractors  to go back to site and do permanent jobs that will stand the test of time.

He informed that there would be no processing of certificates or payment of mobilisation fee to contractors who failed to obey the rules.

“If you want me to pay your mobilisation fee or process your certificate, please obey first. We want to know how you got your POP (variation). How your POP probably occurred  in labour, we  want to know how  much you spent on diesel, what is used in production of asphalt, in doing the work.

“ So we want to know what the contractor is doing, we must know so that we can  find out how we can come in to help,” he insisted.

He maintained that without a programme of work, there would be no processing of certificates, explaining that if there’s any need of increase in contract sums, the minister must know.

“ If you are waiting for payment, I will not pay, if you are waiting for certificate to be signed I will not do it. The truth is  it’s our right to ask so that if I’m signing any certificate, I am bound to explain.

“ So if they sue me it is not the directors, please give me the privilege to preserve my future by allowing me know because if  I carry the Bible or the Qur’an, I will be able to say I know about it,” he added.

The minister expressed displeasure over the sourcing of asphalt used, since research shows that  the importation of bitumen into the country was not up to 5 per cent.

“ Enough is enough. Nigerians are tired of game playing. They want to see 10 kilometres of good roads,” he added.