Calabar - Itu Road: Umahi scores local contractor high 

Ndifereke BASSEY

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,  says he's impressed by the quality of works done by a local contractor, Sermatech, on the ongoing Calabar-Itu road construction.

The Minister, who stated this during an inspection  of the project, said commuters would not have faced a nightmare on the road if other contractors had done what Sermatech is doing and expressed shock that people bribed the community to protest.

“We've seen the works done by Sermatech on asphalt and the median cave.

“The point remains that the quality of work by Sermatech has beaten the other two contractors and anybody who doubts it should go and examine them.

“It has beaten CCECC and the Almighty Berger and this is a local contractor.

“I'm saying it, I'm a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, I'm very much excited that a local contractor can do this.

“I was very shocked when people bribed the community to protest against Sermatech, that was very satanic.

“If other contractors had done the job as Sermatech had, we will not have nightmare on this road.

“While Sermatech has accepted with all his acts, Berger is still dancing up and down yet the same quality of job.

“By the end of next week some jobs will be terminated unless Berger and CCECC show capacity and commitment”, the minister said.

On his part, Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman House Committee on Works, said: “We are impressed with Sermatech although there is still a lot of work to be done.

“Our job in the committee on works is to ensure that everything is done properly.

“We trust the minister ,we know he knows the job, we know his capabilities, pedigree and as the parliament we are solidly behind him.

“We are backing him to succeed because the renewed hope agenda of the president must come to fruition”, he said.