Edith CHUKU
In an unscheduled inspection visit on Friday, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has given Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the 6.5-kilometre Woji–Aleto–Alesa–Refinery Road, a one‑month ultimatum to complete the long‑delayed project or risk termination of the contract.
Fubara who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Projects, Mr. Hebron Wisdom, expressed displeasure with the pace of work and the contractor’s performance despite multiple variations granted to ensure completion of the road and its 200-metre bridge.
Fubara said, “we came to visit one of our sites, and I must say I feel highly disappointed. This project was awarded about June, 2020, by my predecessor. I even went as far as giving them two variations to enable them achieve a good proportion of this job. But to my greatest surprise, there is no progress to show for it.”
The governor noted that the project had been evaluated and cancelled under the previous emergency administration, but added he had given Raffoul another opportunity to deliver within the deadline.
Fubara, however, warned that he would revert to the earlier government position, if the company fails to complete the work within one month.
“If they can’t complete this job in the next one month, I will stick to that position of the administrator as at when the emergency rule was on in the state,” he said.
The governor also frowned at ongoing dredging activities near the bridge, describing it as unsafe and unacceptable.
“How could a normal human being be dredging very close to a bridge? Is it proper?” he queried. “If I come here any other time or get any information that dredging activity is being conducted around this area, I will personally supervise and destroy the dredger myself.”
Fubara emphasised that his administration remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure across Rivers State, and will not tolerate any contractor that fails to meet contractual obligations.
