Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work at various project sites in the state.
Speaking at Ezillo during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the Ezillo-Ezzagu Road in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, Nwifuru lamented that Ontime Venia Nigeria Company Limited’s handling of the project was slow and not committed to delivering the project.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, noted that the road was vital as it is linked to so many communities in the state.
Nwifuru, who disclosed that all his projects were fully paid, threatened to arrest and prosecute any erring contractors.
According to him: “As part of our activities lined up for the 2024 Independence Day celebration, we are on the second day of our project inspection. We are at Ezillo-Ezzagu Road. This road was actually terribly bad. This road is important to us. It is linked to so many communities and with that, we have a lot of commercial activities that will boost these communities if we can finish this road.
“For the contractor, the job is not going the way we want it. It is very slow. We work with time and the community will arrest you if you don’t deliver.
The contractor and managing director of Ontime Venia Nigeria Company Limited, Chris Anene, noted that two kilometres have been completed out of the 23 kilometres of the road.
He explained that bad weather was responsible for the slow pace of work.
“It’s actually the rain. The weather has not been friendly at all. Whenever we see clear weather, we must make sure that we work. We have been on site for three or four months now,” Anene said.
Meanwhile, the governor has ordered the immediate arrest of all contractors handling the housing scheme at Amanze and Izzo communities for failure to complete their various projects.
Gov Nwifuru orders arrest of contractors handling housing schemes in Ebonyi
