OBI ORDERS CONTRACTORS BACK TO SITES

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has ordered all contractors, especially those constructing roads, to return to their different sites now that the rainy season is over.

The governor spoke yesterday at Government House, Awka.  Governor Obi who said he was merely repeating the directive for emphasis, said he had already directed the Commissioner for Works Arc. Callistus Ilozumba to formally convey the directive to all contractors in the state. He said he had always explained to the people of the state that road construction was retarded by the rainy season and now that the rains were over, there was no further reason why massive construction of roads should not start in a few days.

'I say a few days because reports reaching me have confirmed that contractors have started going back to their sites. Since this involves movement of heavy equipment, it will take some days. All I ask of Anambra people is to remain calm with assurances that we are on top of the situation,' he said.

Obi said when the rains made it impossible for massive construction, his administration made it up with massive work in other sectors.  Citing examples, he said most on-going projects had already been completed.

'While some were complaining of slow pace of work in the road sector, little did they know of the massive work going on in other sectors. Within the period under review, we have been able to complete the second phase of the state secretariat. We have completed many buildings at the teaching hospital, we started five new buildings at the Ekwulobia General Hospital, we completed the Odor bridge and did substantial work at the Obibia bridge and many more.'

When contacted, the State Commissioner for Works, Arc Callistus Ilozumba confirmed the development.  He said following the governor's directive, the Ministry had written to all the contractors to go back to sites.