The Federal Government on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the $1.5billion Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge project being undertaken by the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).
Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi expressed anger over the failure of the contractor to mobilize enough manpower to the site.
Speaking with journalists during the monthly inspection of the project site and meeting with the contractor at Ologun-Eru, an outskirt of Ibadan, Oyo state, the minister specifically frowned at the slow pace of work in Lagos axis.
Daily Trust reports that during the last inspection exercise, the minister told the contractor to mobilize more personnel to the site to fast-track the project.
But it appears the CCECC has not hearkened to the minister’s appeal as Amaechi expressed frowned at the progress made.
According to Amaechi, the relocation of water pipeline in Lagos which contract had been approved has stalled the project in the Lagos axis.
He however disclosed that based on the briefing he had with the stakeholders today, the relocation part of the project might be completed this week.
He said, “If I say I am impressed with the CCECC on the Lagos axis of this project, then I am lying. We are just not there in the Lagos area at all.
“We have resolved all the crises in Lagos, and I must commend the Lagos Water people for resolving the water pipelines issue which constituted a major hindrance to the project.
“After the resolution of this issue, the CCECC has refused to mobilise to site in Lagos.
“They (CCECC) gave reasons for the slow pace of work at the Lagos end. They claimed that the executions given to some of the sub-contractors were not met, like for instance, the person relocating the water pipes was expected to finish that by November 2nd; but now the person is asking for additional two months to complete that.
Asked whether the December 2019 deadline for the delivery of the project is feasible, he said, “Don’t forget this is a three-year project that we are trying to complete within a year. As I speak, there are only three bridges remaining to be completed between Abeokuta and Ibadan. Between Ogun and Lagos, there are just few bridges remaining to be completed. We will keep piling pressure on them to make sure the project is completed quickly”.
