Ugwuanyi probes World Bank’s rural projects in Enugu

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Ugwuanyi probes World Bank’s rural projects in Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday, set up a committee to investigate the jobs being executed in rural areas under the Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP-2) to ensure that they meet specifications.

The RAMP-2 initiative, a World Bank project with the Enugu State Government to improve road access in rural communities, as well as rehabilitate and maintain transport infrastructure components, is currently handling some projects in some communities of the state.

The Guardian learnt that the decision to investigate the quality of the projects was part of the agreement Ugwuanyi reached with the World Bank to ensure that jobs were delivered according to specifications by October 2020.

State Commissioner for Information, Chidi Aroh, explained that the committee, led by state Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Festus Ozoemena, would evaluate the scope of work contractors appointed by Enugu RAMP-2 had done.

Aroh listed some of the projects to include the remedial works in lot Three, Phase One road (NeKe-Mbu-Ogbodo Abba-Obollo Etiti road), concrete asphalting of selected rural roads grouped into two lots, rehabilitation of Second Phase rural roads (270.059km grouped into six lots), and the construction of 21 river crossing contracts.

He pointed out that the committee would, examine scope of work assigned to the contractors and extent of compliance with design and specifications and assess the adequacy or otherwise of the work schedule submitted by the contractors towards completing the projects before October 30, 2020.

It would also determine the extent of completion of the various contracts, assess and evaluate the competence of the contractors with regard to their capabilities in carrying out the contracts in terms of their mobilisation of machines, equipment and personnel needed to effectively complete the jobs on schedule, among others.

Aroh, who is also a member of the committee, added that it has four weeks to submit its report and commended Governor Ugwuanyi, adding, “The host communities expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and cooperation even as works continue on the projects.”

Members of the committee are, Dr. Victor Chiwuzie (Secretary), Chairman, Project Investigation and Failure Analysis Committee, Enugu chapter of NSE, Emmanuel Icheku and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Other members are, Chief Engineer State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Anyora Okereke, Special Assistant to the Governor on Works, Ogugua Emehelu, and Lead Infrastructure Engineer, RAMP Enugu State, S. O. Ugwuodo.