Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday alleged that the N250 billion appropriated for the
construction of the Second Niger Bridge in 2008 was diverted by the Federal
Ministry of Works.
While addressing stakeholders at the on-going
public hearing organised by the House Committee on Works on the 'urgent need to
address the near total collapse of federal roads across the country' and a
'Bill for an Act to provide for the maintenance of public infrastructure 2011
and for other matters connected therewith', Ihedioha, however, failed to state
the House position on whether the money will be recovered or the ministry
sanctioned for violating the Appropriation Act.
He said: “The sum of N250 billion appropriated in 2008 was never used but was diverted for other purposes. The best you've done is to engage a Financial Advisor."
The Deputy Speaker, who just breezed in at the hearing, expressed concern over the imminent danger posed by the state of the existing Niger Bridge, and argued that further delay in the construction of the Second Niger Bridge poses great danger to socio-economic well being of the country.
Ihedioha stated the commitment of the House towards provision of motorable roads across the country and urged all the stakeholders to make meaningful contribution by proposing amendment to the existing Act that will help in addressing major challenges facing the road sector.
He also assured that the report and recommendations of the committee will guide the House in determining the amount required to fix Nigerian roads.
Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Chairman, House Committee on Works, directed the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a level-playing ground for Nigerian Engineers to compete with foreign firms in the design and construction of the Second Niger Bridge and other critical projects.
He said: "I see no reason why the project should not be given to Nigerians."
Ozomgbachi also reiterated the committee's resolve to come up with a 'road map' that will help in ensuring provision of roads in a sustainable manner.
Some of the lawmakers also stressed the need for deliberate efforts towards the development of engineering technology in the country.
In his presentation, Mustafa Shehu, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), expressed displeasure over the exclusion of Nigerian Engineers from the execution of critical infrastructural projects.
He also blamed the deplorable conditions of Nigerian roads to inadequate planning, feasibility studies, designs, costing, tender and contract award as well as construction, supervision and maintenance of projects.
He said: "The current practice is that adequate time is not usually allowed before proceeding to tender. This is partly due to the directive of the government to procure the infrastructure using inadequate in-house technical capacity, given the magnitude and number of projects being procured at the same time".
He said: “The sum of N250 billion appropriated in 2008 was never used but was diverted for other purposes. The best you've done is to engage a Financial Advisor."
The Deputy Speaker, who just breezed in at the hearing, expressed concern over the imminent danger posed by the state of the existing Niger Bridge, and argued that further delay in the construction of the Second Niger Bridge poses great danger to socio-economic well being of the country.
Ihedioha stated the commitment of the House towards provision of motorable roads across the country and urged all the stakeholders to make meaningful contribution by proposing amendment to the existing Act that will help in addressing major challenges facing the road sector.
He also assured that the report and recommendations of the committee will guide the House in determining the amount required to fix Nigerian roads.
Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Chairman, House Committee on Works, directed the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a level-playing ground for Nigerian Engineers to compete with foreign firms in the design and construction of the Second Niger Bridge and other critical projects.
He said: "I see no reason why the project should not be given to Nigerians."
Ozomgbachi also reiterated the committee's resolve to come up with a 'road map' that will help in ensuring provision of roads in a sustainable manner.
Some of the lawmakers also stressed the need for deliberate efforts towards the development of engineering technology in the country.
In his presentation, Mustafa Shehu, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), expressed displeasure over the exclusion of Nigerian Engineers from the execution of critical infrastructural projects.
He also blamed the deplorable conditions of Nigerian roads to inadequate planning, feasibility studies, designs, costing, tender and contract award as well as construction, supervision and maintenance of projects.
He said: "The current practice is that adequate time is not usually allowed before proceeding to tender. This is partly due to the directive of the government to procure the infrastructure using inadequate in-house technical capacity, given the magnitude and number of projects being procured at the same time".
Compass
No comments:
Post a Comment