The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved N61 billion for the upward review of the construction cost of the Nembe-Brass road project during the state executive council meeting, bringing the cost of the 21km first phase project to N115 billion.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying he was impressed with the extent of work done by the construction company, Setraco, unlike when he last visited the project in March this year.
Senator Diri also said he was satisfied that funds released for the project were being judiciously utilised and urged the company to deliver the contract as scheduled.
The governor equally expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s promise that the federal government will partner with the state government on the second phase of the project will be fulfilled.
He said, “The Commissioner for Works informed me that you wanted to suspend work because of the variation. The variation you brought was higher than the initial contract sum.
“I was very sceptical, but he tried to convince me that the variation was not just that the contractor was looking for money but that it was because of the changes in our foreign exchange rates.
“So, we approved the variation in the last state executive council meeting, which brought the project cost up to N115 billion. That means you must justify and deliver this job as planned.
“You have achieved so much progress on the 21km stretch, with the first bridge completed and about to commence the second major bridge, which is 120 metres long.
“I’m also happy to hear from you that 6.5 km of the road is ready for asphalting and that sand filling on the road has reached the 20 km mark.
“On the second phase of this road, I had met Mr. President and also communicated with him. He directed the Minister of Works to do the needful. We are still awaiting action.
“But I am convinced that with the interest shown by the president, the second phase would be awarded by the federal government.”
The Project Manager of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Mr. Hazen Nadjab, stated that the company will fulfil its part of the contract and commended the state government’s effort in ensuring the smooth construction of the road.
Mr Nadjab disclosed that the company had requested an extension of the completion date due to changes in the cost of construction but assured that by December this year, six kilometres of the road would be asphalted.
Also, the Commissioner for Works, ESV Moses Teibowei, stated that with the commitment of the state government and the availability of funds, the project will be completed within the shortest possible time.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
