Following allegations that the multi-billion naira flyovers in Effurun and Warri Delta states were being built using cheaper structural steel pipes, Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Highways and Urban Roads in Delta State, on Monday slammed the critics, saying that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had zero tolerance for sloppy work and dubious practices in project implementation.
During an unscheduled inspection of the currently constructed flyover bridge at PTI Junction in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, the Commissioner stressed that the Governor cares about quality and would never allow deviations from the project specifications.
According to Izeze, the clarification became necessary after a viral video circulated on Sunday claiming that the rods used to construct the flyover bridges in Effurun and Warri were 10mm in diameter and not the 16mm provided for in the BEME.
“The reason we are here today is to address the malicious claim that the rods used in the project were 10 millimetres in diameter. That is simply false,” he explained.
“This project has been designed by some of the best engineers in the country and is being overseen by top professionals from the Ministry of Construction.
“The Governor is known for his consistent commitment to quality. He oversaw the construction of the Osubi airstrip by Julius Berger over 20 years ago and has visited this construction site more times than I can count.
“He has followed every process closely because this project is very close to his heart. He is committed to giving Warri and Uvwie the facelift they desperately need.
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“In his pursuit of high-quality projects, he has ordered that our certification process now includes dual oversight: after the Ministry of Construction certifies a project, the Department of Special Projects also conducts its own certification. This shows how much he cares about the quality of his projects.
“His goal is to leave a legacy of lasting projects – not roads that wash away after one or two rainy seasons.
“Meanwhile, someone who cannot accept the result of the last election has publicly claimed that this project is not being built to specifications, even though he has not seen the terms of reference.
“We tried to clarify the situation, but he insisted that the rods used were 10 mm long. As an engineer, I believe in facts: we measured the rods with a caliper and they are 16.0 mm long.
“To further reinforce our position that this project will stand the test of time, every piece of steel used was imported, which explains the cost difference compared to local contractors.
“The misinformation spread by this individual is completely unfounded and despite our repeated explanations, he continues to spread it with enthusiasm,” he added.
Mr. Thomas Haug, project manager at Julius Berger, confirmed that the bars used are 16 mm, contrary to speculation that they are 10 mm.
He explained that all the rods would be imported and not manufactured locally in Nigeria. “We are working as per the specifications and are confident that the project will stand the test of time,” he added.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
