Contract Kick-Backs: Works Commissioner Distances Self From Corrupt Practices

By Miracle Enuji

The Delta State Commissioner for Works, Mr. James Augoye has rebuffed allegations linking him to corrupt practices in the payment of contractors involved in road construction in the state saying, “I do not take kick-backs and I will never do that.”

Augoye stated this Monday, April 23, 2018 at the conference room of the Ministry of Information while responding to questions by journalists during this year’s Ministerial Press Briefing on the activities of the State Ministry of Works stressing that, “I want to assure you that it is not true and it can never be true.”

The Commissioner said, “We do not wait for contractors before approving certificates, it is very unusual and contractors have attested to that. I have a structure in the Ministry of Works which I have enumerated earlier; the Field Engineer, the Zonal Engineer, my Technical Assistant – PA Technical who goes to site and verify these projects.

“Sometimes if I am not satisfied with the report given to me, I visit site my self with the Press and once all that have been done, and there is report that this work is done according to specification, I approve certificate. Corner any of the contractors and they will attest to that.

“So I do not take kick-backs and I will never do that because I know the man that I am working with, he is a man who will not take that, if I am taking, he would have heard and of course he would have taken action. I want to assure you that it is not true and it can never be true.” Augoye submitted.

While listing the major projects executed by State Government through the Works Ministry, the Commissioner said, “Road development and construction is a salient factor for the achievement of the SMART Agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration and in line with this realization, the Ministry has embarked on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of 193 road projects at a cost of over N112 billion between May 2015 and March 2018 covering over 732 kilometres of road and 229 kilometres of concrete-line drains.”

He disclosed that the value of projects currently being handled by the Ministry including those inherited from the previous administration is put at a cost of over N215 billion and involves 2018 roads with a total length of 866 kilometres. “Of this figure, 92 roads covering 350 kilometres have been completed while 116 roads are at various stages of completion.”

Asaba Flood Control: Contractors and Cost

With the current efforts by the State Government to check mate the ugly trend of flooding in the State Capital during the rainy season, Mr James Augoye provided details of the three major storm water projects in Asaba metropolis.

“Continuation and Completion of the Construction of Storm Water Control Measures in DLA/Jesus Saves Corridor in Asaba comprises of surface drains and underground sewers and the project covers a length of 2.44 kilometres and was awarded to Messers CCECC Nig. Ltd on 15th May 2017 at the sum of N1.7billion. The project has attained about 80% completion.”

“Construction of Storm Water Discharge Channel Along DBS/Cabinet/Umejei Adudu Way to Amilimocha River, Asaba which covers a length of 4.33 kilometres long network of drains and sewers. It is designed to channel storm water from Mariam Babangida, WAEC and DBS roads to the Amilimocha River through Cabinet road. The projects is being executed by Setraco Nigeria Limited at the cost of N5.2 billion.

“Construction of Storm Water Drainage Along Amb. Ralph Uwechue Way to Anwai River, Asaba will cover 3.5 kilometres network of channels that will collect huge flow from the uphill areas of Okpanam town and empty into Anwai river. The contract was awarded to Messers CCECC Nig. Ltd on 25th January 2018 at the sum of N4.6 billion and scheduled for completion in twelve months.”