Stories by Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of implementation of the Renewed Hope Estate Project in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
Chairman of the committee, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie had led members of his committee to inspect the project in the state, as well as asses its performances.
But he was, however, not impressed with the four contractors handling the projects, even as he used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of engaging competent contractors inorder to effectively implement the project for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The committee also frowned at the poor job done on Umoh Etuk-Spencer Esin road in Oron.
Dagomie revealed that the project comprises over 250 housing units and is currently being handled by three separate contractors.
According to the lawmaker, “despite being funded up to 30 percent each by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the work done so far was less than six percent”.
He added that the project which was awarded in June ought to have been completed since September.
The chairman also emphasized the need for the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, to engage sincere and experienced contractors in the implementation of federal projects.
He equally called for a total reconstruction of Umoh Etuk-Spencer Esin road.
He said ”The contractor that handled Oron road project succeeded in wasting funds allocated to it on substandard materials. You can see the deplorable state of a road newly constructed in July. The committee is not happy with this situation.
“Three different contractors namely Springwell Intercontinental Resources, Tunsoye Trust Global Link and Hyosungs Nigeria Limited handling the 250 housing units in Uruan, Uyo Capital City and this road in Oron Local Government Area by Logine Limited, have pure intentions to sabotage the efforts of the renewed hope housing scheme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He thereafter directed the clerk of the legislative panel to officially invite the Minister of Urban Development and Regional Planning and the four contractors to appear before the committee unfailingly by next Thursday.
The meeting, according to the lawmaker, would expose the committee to the challenges and limitations propelling the current unsatisfied level of both projects.
