By Chika Kwamba
Delta State Government has asserted that it will not lower its standard in project execution across the state.
Reacting to speculations and allegations regarding the use of substandard materials reinforcement in the ongoing mega projects in the state, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Audit, Engr. Goodnews Agbi advised Deltans to shun all rumour peddlers.
His reaction was made during a routine project inspection with his team of engineers in Warri.
Projects inspected were the construction of a flyover bridge from Enerhen junction, Effurun, Marine Gate, Warri, all in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively.
Others are the construction of the flyover bridge at PTI junction, along the Effurun/Patani (East-West) highway in Effurun, construction of the flyover bridge at the DSC roundabout, and the construction of road improvements/expansion works on a section of DSC/NPA expressway, including the construction of A3/4 cloverleaf interchange of existing Effurun flyover bridge.
Addressing journalists at the construction site (PTI junction), Agbi assured the public that all projects were being carried out with the highest standards of quality and according to specifications. He said: “Last week there was a rumour, especially on social media that contractors are using substandard reinforcement.
“Also, the rod used is not up to 16mm, but 12mm, while others said is 10mm. I was wondering why a known name like Julius Berger would be using 10mm for a bridge, so we decided to come and see things ourselves, and we were not disappointed.
“Visiting the construction yard was the first thing we requested from the project management, alongside the display of the structural drawings showing 16mm, not 10mm. Afterwards, we visited the fabrication workshop saw their materials, and the laboratory where materials are tested before usage as well as the curing room for the production of tubes.
“We are not disappointed because we know Julius Berger is a brand name in the construction industry. To all those who are saying it’s because of politics and levels, especially those who are not well informed on construction matters, misleading the people. No one uses 10mm for a bridge of this standard. We are here and let the whole world see that it’s not 12mm, but 16mm as it was designed
“All assertions are incorrect, and for Delta State government to bring in competent contractors it means they meant well for Deltans. But it does not stop us from monitoring them, but when you know that someone is executing his job judiciously the inspection will not be frequent like other indigenous and foreign contractors”, he said.
Similarly, the Project Manager, Thomas Haug, expressed his confidence in delivering quality work and meeting the construction dateline “We are not disturbed in any way we assure you that we will keep up with good and quality materials be it imported or local, all must be tested before use. We are always open for inspection at any time.
Also, the resident engineer from the Ministry of Works Delta State, Engr. Emmanuel Oghorodje applauded the state government for funding such a huge project even as he vowed to stay updated on best practices and deliver 100 per cent. Accompanying him on the inspection visit was a team of engineers and project monitoring experts. They include Engr. Ugbomah Chukwumah, Engr. Efe Ogjale, Engr. Ken Isibor, Mr Victor Ikere, Mr Odio Odafe, Director of Project Monitoring and Audit, Mrs Elizabeth Ebitonmo, and Engr. Yebu Ladina.
