By Abiola Olawale
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has publicly criticized a contractor for delivering what he described as “sub-standard” work on a ₦10.8 billion infrastructure project in the state.
The governor expressed his dissatisfaction during an inspection visit to the project site located at Kargo in Dutse Local Government Area, on Saturday.
He accused the contractor of failing to meet the expected quality standards despite the significant funds allocated.
He highlighted several deficiencies, including poor materials, shoddy workmanship, and delays in meeting agreed timelines.
“This is unacceptable, water will wash away this. We can’t take this; it’s not possible”, Namadi said as he scratched the surface of a concrete structure.
“Where is the consultant? We can’t take this; it’s not possible. You are here and this (poor quality) work is being delivered?”
“It’s an error,” the consultant replied, but the furious governor interjected and said: “Why error everywhere?
“Where is the project engineer? What are you doing here? Why are you allowing this to happen?”
The rattled supervisor said the project was okayed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
But the remark appeared to further enrage the governor.
“Don’t tell me that. Was it the SON that awarded the contract or the state government? Was the contract paid for by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria or the state government? It should be done according to my standards. This is wrong”.
The governor then directed the contractor to rework the faulty areas immediately.
The New Diplomat reports that the project is to build a seven-kilometre concrete water route. It was flagged off on 30 November, 2024.
Supported by the World Bank, it is being executed by the state government under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL).
