Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has ordered the contractor handling Section 3 of the Isu-Oriegu-Obeagu-Ezzaegu Road, Nulvec Resources and Services Limited, to immediately stop work for allegedly using substandard materials not specified for the project.
The government described the materials as substandard and reiterated its commitment to quality execution of all projects to ensure durability.
The Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Felix Igboke, halted the project while inspecting ongoing works across the state at the weekend.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work on Section 3 of the Isu-Oriegu-Obeagu-Ezzaegu Road in Onicha Local Government Area and ordered that work be stopped forthwith until further notice.
Igboke also faulted the quality of work on the Nwode/Ndiegu Echara Road in Ikwo Local Government Area and directed the contractor to immediately begin creating expansion joints on the road to prevent cracks.
“We have noticed some discrepancies in the BRC. Some are okay, while others are below our expectations.
“It is a mistake and should be removed immediately. We have already identified the portion on the road that is not up to standard. The contractor should proceed only with the ones we have approved,” he said.
He further directed the contractor to provide a water tanker without delay to wet the surface and properly cure the concrete.
Igboke warned that he would shut down the project if he revisited the site and failed to see the water tanker in use.
He urged all contractors handling state government projects to accelerate work before the rainy season sets in.
The commissioner also inspected internal roads in Izzi and Amaeze communities in Ishielu Local Government Area, as well as the 140-unit housing projects in the two communities being constructed for persons affected by the crisis between the people of Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo.
He said the housing units, internal roads and drainage projects currently underway are expected to be completed soon.
