The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to SEMATECH Nigeria Limited over its delay in the construction of the Calabar-Itu Highway.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, during the official flag-off ceremony of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and the neglect of critical infrastructure, Umahi criticized the contractor’s performance and issued a clear ultimatum.
He said, “Let me warn SEMATECH, before, I defended them to the Governor of Cross River. But if there is no improvement on that road, I am happy that the Minister of State and our Permanent Secretary are here, we will terminate it.”
He also addressed Roycon, another contractor, expressing displeasure over delays despite receiving project approvals months earlier.
“Roycon, we awarded you contracts on the sections we terminated from the previous merger. You say you’re mobilising, but we don’t see much mobilisation. Two months ago, the President approved the contract. You haven’t started. If by the time we visit the site, you haven’t begun work, we will terminate the contract again, in the interest of the people,” he warned.
Umahi applauded President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader capable of delivering major infrastructure projects.
“This is not the President some people think is not smart. Let me tell you, smartness is another name for Mr. President. Only he can complete 750 km from Sokoto to Kaduna, 700km from Abuja to Zaria, and now this 750 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway”, he added.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and stated that no contractor would be allowed to delay progress.