Umahi Orders Contractor Back to N3.98bn Water Project Site
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has directed Ganza Engineering Ltd, the company handling the N3.98bn Ukawu water scheme in Okawu, Onicha L.G.A to immediately return to site. Umahi, who gave the order while inspecting the water project, awarded by the immediate past administration in April 2008,expressed disappointment with the quality of work and the speed of the contractor in handling the project.
“Tell Ganza to return to work immediately. We will schedule a meeting with the contractor for Friday”, he told the site Engineer by the bank of Ukawu River.
It will be recalled that the Ukawu water project was initiated by the former governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi, together with Oferekpe water scheme. While Oferekpe water project was completed without reticulating water to serve Ebonyi people, the Ukawu water project which had a completion period of two years, has remained a ghost of itself. It was gathered that the contractor which had received N2bn payment requested that additional N4bn be paid by the state government to enable his company continue work on the project. Governor Umahi, who was visibly unhappy on seeing the poor quality, sat down on a concrete deck up the water scheme looking at the contract details and shaking his head intermittently.
He inspected the project companied by the Commissioner for works, Engr. Fidelis Nweze, Senior technical Assistant to the governor on projects, Engr. Oka Uchechi, chairman of Onicha LGA, Mrs Elizabeth Onwe and other top government functionaries.
Umahi had earlier inspected Hilltop/Nwofe/Agbaja Road, Presco flyover, Akanu Ibiam round about flyover, among other projects.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Government has said it would renovate the palace of the former Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Akanu Ibiam within a year or build a new palace in two years
Umahi also promised to commence the rehabilitation of bad portions of the AfikpoUnwana Road within the next couple of weeks.
Umahi, who extolled the leadership qualities and pioneering role Dr. Ibiam played in the creation of Ebonyi State, said his administration would continue to accord him the highest honour.