14th October, 2014
Eromosele Ebhomele
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned two of the state’s major contractors for what is believed to be poor performance.
The China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, CCECC, is handling the rehabilitation of Phase 4 of the Ago Palace Way in Isolo area of Lagos while Messrs Wetipp Nigeria Limited is handling the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Estate Roads, but the chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Rotimi Olowo, accused them of performing below expectation by not meeting the deadline allotted for the completion of the projects.
The two firms are now to appear to explain why they have delayed with the projects.
Olowo, who is leading the committee on a one-month inspection of projects across the state, further said he was not sure the CCECC would be re-mobilized based on the firm’s poor performance.
“They were mobilized in 2013 and we cannot see the impact of what they have done. They are complaining about utilities, but I don’t see that as a major problem. This is a project that was conceived many years ago and Phase 3 is on-going.
“If they had issues, it should have been resolved, and that shouldn’t affect the drains; relocating utilities should not affect the project.
“The committee has decided to call on the Project Manager and probably the Deputy Managing Director of CCECC because the House appropriated money for the project and if we say we are coming to inspect the projects we should be taken seriously,” he said.
Olowo, while commending some local contractors such as Messrs Righteous Construction Company and Plycon Nigeria Limited for doing good jobs in Ilupeju and Ikeja areas of the state respectively, threatened that the House could revoke the contracts allocated to CCECC if the firm thinks it could do what it likes because it is a major firm patronised by the state government.
“To give them fair hearing, the resident engineer, director of projects and the contractors themselves have to meet the House on 24 October, 2014.
“This also goes for Wetipp Nigeria Limited. I know the contractor is very heady; he is not receptive to other people’s opinions. The money he has collected is a far cry from what he has done.
“Our money is just kept in his accounts and we will not allow that. If a project is meant for four months and he is still on it for 16 months, I don’t think he has any justification for this.
“The project ought to have been completed eight months ago; there is nothing he can tell me.
“We have been telling contractors that were docile to wake up, we are not coming out to play, we are out for serious business.
“The business of government has to be serious and for you to make a meaningful impact, you must go beyond air-conditioned room. You have to leave your comfort zone for sweat zone,” he said.