The collapsed theatre building at the Niger Delta university Amassoma, has exposed the the quality of jobs to be delivered to Bayelsans by some compromised engineering companies contracted by the Gov Dickson led administration. The said building it was learnt, collapsed due to the alleged use of substandard materials as the contractor did not comply with standard procedures in the use of materials. A credible source who does not want his name in print said that, ”instead of using 8 pans of sand and 12 pans of chippings, 15 pans of sand was used.” ” 16mm iron rods that were supposed to be used for the first decking, was replaced with 12 mm iron rods, while the pillars were not properly cast from the DPC.” Imagine how calamitous it would have being, if this unholy actors had completed this building and commissioned it with fanfare, only for students to go in to take lectures and it comes crumbling on them? We would probably have being plunged into a state of mourning, with loved ones either dead or seriously injured. The collapsed NDU building is not the only substandard project that the Dickson led government is set to deliver to Bayelsans. According to a top government official who pleaded anonymity, most of the jobs contracted out by Governor Dickson, are cheap and of low standard. He made reference to the construction work being carried out by the Chinese at the Amassoma road, he also queried the quality of work that is being carried out in Igbogene axis. In his words, " these projects are substandard because of the huge kick-backs the Contractors have to pay to the Governor and his men. " According to our source, "the reason why the ongoing projects in the state are going at snail-speed, is because the contractors have made huge remittances to the governor and his team. Most of the contractors are only managing what they have left, in fact, if care is not taken, by the time Dickson leaves office, the state will be littered with uncompleted projects." What is also worrisome is the fact that some of these construction firms being engaged by the Dickson administration, are not better than some of the indigenous construction firms in the state. In fact it was confirmed that some of the construction firms, including the Chinese construction company are hiring their equipment from some of the indigenous firms in the state. So, one begins to wonder, what is the rationale behind excluding competent indigenous firms with proven track records for quality job delivery in the development of the state? Some of the most outstanding projects in the state were handled by indigenous firms, so why deny them the opportunity of contributing their quota in the development of the state? Bayelsans must begin to question the sincerity of Governor Dickson in relation to how he runs the state. They must begin to demand that nothing but the best is delivered to them in terms of project delivery. Anything short of the best is not good enough for Bayelsans, therefore the development of the state must not be sacrificed on the alter of politics.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 07:20:54 +0000