The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly committee on Works and Transport, has summoned VKS construction company, on the poor handling of the Odio Nditia road in Eket, and also the Secretariat road in Abat, ONNA.
The Chairman of the Committee and Member Representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. David Lawrence, handed down the summons, when he led members of the committee on an on the spot assessment of roads in Oruk Anam, ONNA and Eket.
Hon.David Lawrence and members of the committee, who expressed displeasure on the road projects, stated that, nothing has been done on the roads, since the committee’s last visit in 2020, and despite release of funds to the company by the Governor, who had ordered contractors back to sites.
“There is no remarkable changes. The House of Assembly has the powers to recommend that any company be blacklisted. Money has been released. We expect that the job should complement the cash released by the government,” Lawrence said.
At Oruk Anam, the Project Manger for JMK said, the road is a 14.5km, which started from the previous administration. We took over from km 6 now at km 10.5. I pay compensation myself, so that the job can move, I don’t wait for the Ministry, else the work won’t move.
Reacting, the Works committee Chairman said, The state government is mindful of the time of completion. The people are anxious that this road be completed to serve as HE legacy. We will return in April to see all the projects again.
We are poised to get contractors alive to their responsibilities. We will report and work with appropriate quarters. There will be due compensation for everyone. Whatever is due this community, will be given. Please continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for the work to continue give the Gov the necessary support.
The committee who also visited the ongoing newly constructed bridge at Atabong, said they were impressed with CCECC. If they were this fast like they have done with the bridges, the road would have almost been completed at this time. I appreciate the company for the seriousness they have shown, while hoping that government will reciprocate in funding, the Chairman said.
The project manager for CCECC, Mr.Rock Lee said they have been given a right of way, which was halting their jobs. We are working towards the completion of the Etinan -Eket road.
Reacting, Hon. Lawrence said, We are happy that CCECC has been given the right of way. The contractor said more right of way has been given. We have a target. All roads should be completed at the end of the administration. There is progress from what we saw the last time.
Also speaking, Member Representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, Hon.Effiong Bassey said, I want to encourage the company to put in more effort. I thank His Excellency the Governor for his role in making contractors return to sites in the State.
