LAGOS, NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA)– The Minister of Works, David Umahi has decried delay in the implementation of projects, noting that the Federal Government will enforce the discontinuation of the payment of variations on 30% mobilised funds for the delayed projects.
The Minister gave this charge during a working visit to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State in Gusau on Friday as part of a project tour of the Northeast, stated that the ongoing Zaria-Gusau-Sokoto road project would not experience any discontinuation, as President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned its completion.
Umahi, in a statement by Olusola Abiola, the Ministry’s Director of Information, reassured that the funding matter for completing the projects has been resolved, with only approval from the National Assembly remaining.
The Minister was quoted as saying, after inspecting the ongoing work on the Gusau – Funtua Road, that there would be no variation on 30% mobilisation advanced to them.
“The contractors must know that I will never pay variation on mobilized funds or works that are delayed.
“Because if we do not obey the timetable, inflection and time will catch up with us.
“It’s the Federal Government that is losing. That’s why if we have little money to complete the project and we prolong it, then the Federal Government is unable to further source for funds.”
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Umahi also addressed the rumored suspension of the Zaria-Gusau-Sokoto road, assuring the governor that it was unfounded, saying, “Mr. President has not stopped the dualization of Zaria – Gusau – Sokoto highway rather, the projects will be completed and the design would even be improved upon.
“There were rumors that Mr. President has stopped this project and even the NNPCL tax credit; that is not the truth at all. In fact, he has given more life to the tax credit of NNPCL.
“Though the NNPCL projects are not funded by NNPC 100 percent. We still have a funding gap of over N2.7 trillion to get them completed.
“Mr. President has approved that we should take the funding gap to the National Assembly for approval. So, it’s not just committed to the commitment of NNPC, but it’s committed to the entire completion of the projects.
“He is the one that has asked us to visit this project, just like other ones, they are very important and key to Mr. President.”
While commending the quality of job done by the contractor handling the project, the Minister said one the major reason for the inspection was to ascertain the cause of the delay of project.
“We have not seen everything they are doing, but the little we’ve seen is excellent. In fact, that project, the neatness and quality looks excellent.
“My directive was what slowed down the job. But I have been redirected after having come and examined the project,” he added.
On the issue of payment of compensation to those affected by the dualisation of the roads, the Minister urged the affected State Government to emulate the commitment of Sokoto State that has agreed to settle all payments regarding compensation to the people concerned.
In his remarks, the Governor Lawal commended President Tinubu’s vision for the road sector, acknowledging that the Minister’s dedication has significantly contributed to achieving the President’s objectives.
Expressing his elation at the continuation of the Zaria-Gusau-Sokoto highway, the governor pledged his administration’s support to the Federal Government, while requesting the Minister’s consideration for the rehabilitation of the Gusau-Dansadau road.