Sanction Awaits Civil Servants Who Connives With Contractors To Do Shoddy Jobs In Delta

By Kenneth Orusi, Asaba

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has threatened any civil servant who connives with contractors to do shoddy jobs would face necessary sanctions.

According to Governor Okowa, quality projects that would stand the test of time would not be compromised by his administration and the few resources available to the state must be spent on enduring projects.

The Governor who was speaking while inspecting the Uduophori road in Patani Local Government Area of the state, decried the quality of work on some section of the project saying the Engineer, a civil servant saddled with the responsibility of supervising the road would face necessary sanctions.

He stated, “The Engineer that supervised the job is not supposed to be an employee of the state government, we cannot afford to have failed projects within one year of execution, it is good that he has been queried but I will follow the case up as appropriate sanctions must be applied”.

“You (the contractor handling the project) have embarrassed me with this type of shoddy job, we cannot push you to go beyond your pace, the first thing we want is quality job as my name matters a lot”, the Governor said, adding, “we don't have to manage anything, the name of your company is at stake too, the financial situation is tough, so, we cannot afford to do one road twice”.

The Governor also admonished communities to be involved in the supervision of projects in their areas, but should avoid taking laws into their hands and lay their complaint to appropriate quarters.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Donatus Umukoro said the Engineer who supervised the road project has been queried and the contractor ordered to raise the road which would require excavation of already executed project.

The Governor also, commissioned the paediatric Ward at the General Hospital, Patani where he appealed to all Deltans to engage in peaceful attitude to encourage investors to the state.

According to the Governor, “Deltans are hardworking people, peace loving and prayerful people; we should not allow negative forces to tarnish our image but continue to encourage investors by engaging in good habit”.

He assured Deltans that his administration would do more as resources improves and commended the people for coming out massively to receive him.

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Pius Sinebe thanked Governor Okowa for his interest in providing democratic dividends in Patani local government area while the PDP Chairman in the area, Mr Godspower Asiuwhu assured Governor Okowa that the people of the area would be involved in monitoring the pace of work to ensure that the right thing is done.

“We thank God that Governor Okowa has a heart to work for Deltans, he is a good manager of resources and what he deserves is our support to enable him do more”, Mr Asiuwhu said.