The Anambra State Government says it is not happy with the slow pace of work at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, whose upgrade contract it had awarded four contractors.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Pauly Onyeka, who stated the government’s position, warned all the four contractors handling the project to expedite work or have their contracts terminated.
The contract approved and awarded by the state government early this year, was to transform the old event center into a decent, world-class facility, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s desire to make the state a livable and progressive state.
It was designed to accommodate facilities such as executive pavilion, VIP lounge, recreational and relaxation facilities as well as parking space among others.
However, during an inspection visit to the project site over the weekend by the Anambra Housing Commissioner, Hon Onyeka, it was observed that no significant work has been done, even as the deadline for the project delivery draws near.
The Commissioner who noted that the inspection visit was to ascertain the pace of work, said it also aligns with the directive of the governor, to make sure that monies deployed by the state government are judiciously applied.
Onyeka, while noting the importance of Ekwueme in hosting government functions, maintained that the government cannot afford to allow the upgrade of the square to last longer than necessary.
“The pace of work is slow and we can’t accept that.
“The contractors need to sit up or risk losing their contracts within the next two weeks if nothing changes.
“Mr Governor wants the projects delivered without further delay,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry has been directed to serve each of the four contractors a notice of warning to terminate their contracts if nothing improves.
“You know how important Ekwueme Square is to the government.
“So, we need the work to complete so that some events meant for that venue will return there.
“Government is desirous of seeing the contracts executed with dispatch.
“I advise the contractors to comply with this notice in their interest. Anyone who abuses the contract terms will lose his contract henceforth,” Onyeka warned.
