The Sam Mbakwe road project abandoned by J-PROS, a Lebanese construction company has again received the attention of Imo state government as work has resumed on the dual carriage road project under the close supervision of the state ministry of works.
Recall that the furor raised by the stoppage and abandonment of the project after the commitment of about N1.2 B by the state government consumed the former deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso after the state legislature found him guilty of collecting N458M gratification from Mr. Joseph Dina, the managing Director of the company.
Mr. Dina has accused the former Deputy Governor of demanding and collecting the said amount with the promise of giving him more jobs, a development he claimed crippled the company financially and clearly made continuation of the project impossible.
Speaking to newsmen while inspecting the project, Gov. Okorocha reiterated the commitment of his administration to actualize the project irrespective of the unfortunate circumstance that led to the stoppage of work.
“We are very determined to ensure the completion of this project. Recall that it was among the very first project we embarked upon shortly on assumption of office, but due to the unfortunate incident involving the contractor and the former deputy governor, we are yet to complete it. However, the state Executive council had resolved that the ministry of works takes over the project and ensure its completion through direct labor and by engaging genuine contractors” Gov. Okorocha said.
The governor also disclosed decision of the state executive council to confiscate equipment abandoned at the site by J-PROS while the state Attorney-general takes every necessary legal action to ensure that government recovers the unmerited sum paid to the company.
In another development, Gov. Owelle Rochas Okororcha has explained that government decision to dismantle PHCN installations in major roads in Owerri is in line with its urban transformation and beatification of the state capital.
Also speaking with newsmen while inspecting the exercise, Gov. Okorocha said arrangements have been perfected to lay the cables and wires underground to ensure decency in the city.
He enjoined Imolites to assist government in actualizing the task by complying with the sanitary provisions proscribed by the present administration which he maintained are aimed at returning Owerri capital city to its lost glory as the cleanest state capital in the country.
