By Okoli Sunday (Awka)

Works Commissioner Charges Contractors to Work According to World Best Practices
The Commissioner for Works, Anambra State, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma has charged Contractors handling various road projects in the State to work according to world best practices.

Engr. Okoma gave the charge in a meeting with the Contractors and Management Staff of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure held at the Ministry of Works Conference Hall, Awka.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma stated that the vision of Gov. Soludo's administration is to create a livable and prosperous homeland for Ndi Anambra and so, road infrastructure is one of the key to achieving the vision. In his words, "The State Government is in high spirit to deliver quality road projects and give succor to the people of the state". He reminded them that government is tackling the issue of security and pleaded with them to help government succeed in that aspect because Contractors can only work in a secured environment.

However, Mr Commissioner noted with dismay the high rate of road failures across the State. He said that roads that are not up to three years have started failing and so, that cannot justify over N200Billion that was paid to various Contractors handling various road projects for the State in the last 8 years.

He remarked that some of the contractors have not shown enough commitment, ingenuity, and strict adherence to professional engineering ethos in handling the projects given to them. He said from now henceforth, it will not be business as usual and that the government of Prof. Charles Soludo is poised to bring road infrastructure at par with what is obtainable in modern societies across the world.

The Works and Infrastructure Commissioner said that he is aware that most of them are being owned but government will verify every debt, prioritize debt and pay the ones it can within the available resources at its disposal.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Laz Okafor welcomed the Contractors to the meeting, explaining that the meeting was convened so that the Commissioner will hear directly from the Contractors to know the issues, challenges, and way forward concerning various ongoing projects in the state. He encouraged the contractors to be open and ready to interact with the Commissioner for the best interest of the people of the state.

Responding on behalf of the Contractors, Engr. Philip Eyisi of Philippe Construction Ltd expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for convening the meeting in order to interact with them. He pledged that they will return to their respective project sites with renewed zeal to deliver on their jobs as directed by the Commissioner. He promised that they will deliver quality road projects that can stand the test of time, appealing to other partners to maintain job integrity, noting that there is always a sense of joy and fulfilment in doing what is right and pleaded with the government to always fund work done.

The meeting featured interactive session, which gave the contractors opportunity to rub minds with the Commissioner and his team, on ways to fulfill their respective roles in delivering on their mandates.

You hardly see a south east Gov making this kind of request for a quality job except Dav umahi of Ebonyi state.