Governor Chukwuma Soludo has terminated the contract awarded to NBHH for nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Council area of Anambra State, over the contracting firm’s failure to deliver the project within the stipulated time.
The governor announced the termination of the contract on Tuesday when he went on an unscheduled visit to Okpoko, a densely populated community, during which he discovered unfinished infrastructure projects and sanitation concerns.
The nine roads include Obodoukwu/Owerri Road, Ogbuagu-Ik Onuorah-Anumudu-Mgbuka Amazu-Owerri Road, Edeh road-school road-Awalite-Ojoto-Owerri Road, School road-Umuobom street-Ojoto Street junction, Umuobom street/Ojoto street junction-Adaziani street-Owerri road.
Others were Umenweke Street (Obodoukwu junction)/Umeojiofo street, Awalite (Ojoto junction Anumudu/Mgbuka Amazu junction), Uzi street-mission street (Awalite junction) and Anumudu street (Ik Onuorah junction).
The roads totaling 14.03Km, account for 35% thirty-five percent of all the roads in Okpoko and were awarded by the Anambra State Government in September 2022.
Speaking during the visit, Soludo expressed dissatisfaction with the state of some of the nine road projects initially scheduled for completion in June 2023 and deemed the contractor incompetent.
He noted that the state government had paid the contractor 50 percent mobilization fund for the project, yet they failed to deliver, nine months after the project ought to have been delivered.
The Governor explained that his government will seek a new contractor to ensure swift completion of the project.
“The state government will calculate what this contractor has done and we will make sure that he refunds the balance.
“What you are doing here shows that you cannot undertake this project and we cannot continue to waste the time of Anambra people with you on this project.
”Get your things and leave this site at once because we are bringing a new contractor to undertake the project immediately,” the governor fumed.
Inspecting the area, the Governor condemned the practice of street trading, emphasizing the need for organized markets, and announced the construction of a modern fruit and vegetable market to relocate street vendors and improve overall aesthetics.
Governor Soludo highlighted the poor sanitation conditions and ordered immediate cleanup efforts, assuring that the SASA Anti-Tout Task Force will address harassment and illegal levies imposed on traders.
The Governor tasked local market unions with internal security arrangements, assuring that the government will ensure overall peace and safety.
Reiterating his focus on helping the underserved, Governor Soludo pledged continued infrastructure development in Okpoko, including street lights, pipe-borne water, and a standard general hospital.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging residents to play their part in maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for Ogbaru, Local Government Area, Mr. Paschal Aniegbuna, applauded Governor Soludo for his commitment to transforming the Okpoko community into a livable homeland.
Mr Aniegbuna also expressed optimism about Governor Soludo transforming the Okpoko markets into modern markets, following the government’s meeting with Okpoko market leaders.
