N5bn Akwa Ibom Skills Acquisition Centre Project A Disaster – Minister

STEPHEN-ORUThe Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Stephen Oru, has expressed disappointment in the low quality of work on the N5 billion Akwa Ibom Skills Acquisition Centre project, Iwuoachang, Ibeno Local Government Area.

The minister also queried the project consultant, who he said did not only fail to inform government about the shoddy job being carried out at the site but also failed to strike a working relationship with the contractors, the host community and the local government.

Oru, who was inspecting projects under the ministry in the Niger Delta Area, on Friday and Saturday, warned that the ministry would not tolerate low quality jobs from its contractors.

The minister, who could not hide his anger with the three contractors handling the skills acquisition project and the consultants, Abuja-based Acres Turnkey Projects, said, “I am disappointed in the quality of work done here”.

He continued: “The work is poor and below standard; and therefore cannot be well done ultimately. There is no cordial relationship between you, the consultants, the contractors and the community at large.

“This job is a disaster”, he fumed.

The minister said he would not accept the explanations of the representatives of the contractors, Stegis International Limited, Enorasol Nigeria Limited and Y.S. Associates, that put the blame of poor quality materials on host community, which had to be involved in the project.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed contractors working on the Bayelsa State Skills Acquisition Complex project, Otuoke, to increase the tempo of work.

He also expressed dismay at the quality of some of the buildings within the centre.

Mr. Oru was accompanied on the working tour of projects by the minister of state in the ministry, Dickson Isiaku Dairius as well as top officials of the ministry including the directors of infrastructure, housing and information, Mr. Nelson Ovhiri, Mr. Jupe Jemide and Mr. Danbata Salisu respectively.