The Senate, in a session on Monday, expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed completion of road projects by contractors nationwide.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, conveyed this concern during the 2024 budget defense session with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works.
Senator Barinada, while addressing the Minister, underscored the Senate’s commitment to preventing the wastage of government funds and taxpayers’ money.
He criticized the situation where contractors, despite being mobilized, were not actively present at their project sites.
“We frown at a situation where contractors will be mobilised, and on visiting their sites by virtue of oversight, at most of those sites, you won’t find contractors,” stated Senator Barinada.
He cited examples, such as the rehabilitation of Aba-Owerri Road in Abia, where the contractor had received funds but made no progress.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi) joined in expressing concern, highlighting instances like the second Niger Bridge project that had incurred substantial expenses without completing critical roads necessary for its operation.
Addressing the Minister, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the need for a holistic approach in prioritizing road networks in Nigeria.
She drew attention to the protracted construction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Auchi road, urging its prioritization due to its significance in connecting approximately 20 states.
Furthermore, as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan advocated for sourcing a significant portion of raw materials locally in road construction, promoting economic efficiency and supporting indigenous industries.
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