Umahi fumes, orders termination of contract with Levant Construction Ltd

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The Minister of Works David Umahi has ordered the immediate termination of contract with Levant Construction Ltd on the reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri Road.

Umahi made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Wednesday.

The statement reads in part: “I have ordered the termination of the contract with Levant Construction Ltd on the reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin – Imasabor) being executed under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, due to non-performance.

I had during a meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd, expressed disapproval over the failure and/or neglect of Messrs Levant to live up to expectation in their contractual duties.

“Despite warnings and notices, Levant Construction Ltd failed to respond, leading to the decision to terminate the contract.

“I have directed the Permanent Secretary to get the job properly terminated and write a letter for joint measurement. Additionally, we will request repayment of the APG, and if necessary, the matter will be taken to EFCC.

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“Conversely, I expressed satisfaction with the outcome of discussions with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd, who have agreed to step up work on their respective sections of the road project. 

“I commend the Governors of Delta State and Edo State for their interventions on some kilometers of the road project.

Regarding allegations of marginalization in road infrastructure development, he said “I want to assure Nigerians that the Renewed Hope administration is committed to inclusive development across the six geo-political zones. 

“We are executing numerous road projects in the North, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road, and Kano Northern Bypass, among others.

“In fact, the North has 52% of the four legacy projects of Mr. President, while the South has 48%. I urge Nigerians to see these projects as national endeavors, benefiting the entire country.

“I remain committed to the Ministry’s mission of restoring confidence in Nigeria’s road infrastructure and showcasing the transformational power of the Renewed Hope administration” the works minister, Umahi stressed.