Road Contractor Sacked for Poor Performance Apologizes to Anambra Government, Begs for second chance

By Praise Chinecherem

TEC Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd, the contractor awarded the reconstruction of Niger Bridge Head to Sokoto Road Junction as well as the channelization of Nwangene Stream to River Niger at Onitsha has assured of completion of the road and channel sections before New Year.

The firm also declared its readiness to pay fines as stipulated in the contract, or to have the contract terminated in the event of failure to meet the deadlines.

Recall that earlier in July this year, Governor Chukwuma Soludo terminated the firm’s contract after unscheduled inspection following slow pace of work.

The company, has since been meeting with the Ministry of Works to synergize with government on possible amendments and way forward.

But speaking after a closed door meeting with Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma at the Ministry, Marketing Manager of the Company, Engr. Xiao pleaded with State government to allow it return back to site for the road project.

The firn, also in a letter addressed to Governor Soludo, assured the state government and people of the state to deploy best and certified technical manpower to undertake all aspects of the construction works and to ensure standards and professionalism were maintained.

It also pledged to deploy all needed construction equipment to site to enhance progress and prompt delivery of work items according to the revised program of work and obey the designs and instructions of the supervising team.

Responding, Commissioner for Works Engr. Okoma said they have looked at the firm’s program of work, methodologies, manpower and equipment disposals, noting his conviction that if they kept to agreements, they would deliver.

He also revealed that TEC Engineering Ltd had another job with the ministry of which they were doing well, reason they were considered for a second one.

“They have deployed new sets of equipment which is on-site and sent their Deputy Managing Director, Engr. Liu from China to supervise the project, to protect their name and integrity,” he said.

While warning contractors that it was no longer business as usual, Okoma maintained that Soludo was determined to deliver road infrastructure amongst other things to people of the state.

“Anambra is working in a different climate. It is an agenda with a timeline and some of the contractors have been given notice to determine the intention of their job,” he added.

Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Mrs Stephanie Kerry-Uzor, among others, were part of the briefing.