The Senate on Saturday gave Visible Concept, the construction firm handling the N30billion renovation work at the National Assembly complex marching orders for speedy completion and delivery of the project.

But the Engineer of Visible Concept, handling the renovation work of the National Assembly Complex, Tajudeen Olanipekun, demanded more funds in the presence of the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Hadi Ahmad, during an on the spot assessment of the projects by the Senate Committee on FCT.

The FCDA in March awarded contracts for rehabilitation of critical segments like plenary Chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Dome in the White House as well as construction of office of National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and Library at the cost of N30bilion.

Contractors handling the projects which were to be delivered in phases between January and August 2023, were given N9billion mobilisation fee as disclosed by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello in June this year during the first on the spot assessment visit made by the Senate Committee on FCT.

But at the second on the spot assessment visit carried out by the Senator Smart Adeyemi-led committee on Saturday, members of the committee were worried at the slow space of work.

Senator Adeyemi said though the renovation works being carried out at both chambers were commendable but the slow spate of work was worrisome.

He told the contractor that except miracle happens, the January 2023 deadline for delivery of the upgraded Chambers was no longer feasible.

“This project must not be abandoned in anyway. The Hallowed Chambers are expected to be completed and delivered by the end of January 2023. But the level of work seen here today is not pointing at that which to us, is a threat to our legislative duties and functions.

“Non-completion of this project at designated times, is even a threat to democracy itself because we don’t want the incoming government to inherit it as an abandoned project. So, this committee wants to know the challenges confronting the contractors as regards expeditious execution of the projects,” he said.

Olanipekun said fluctuations in the value of Naira to US dollar have been problematic for them in importation of required materials and equipments coupled with the need for more funds from FCDA.

Disturbed by the response, Senator Adeyemi told the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to get in touch with the Minister for more funds for the contractors.

“The Executive Secretary of FCDA and Chief of Staff to the Minister, you have heard the contractor. Please give them more money for this project because we don’t want to hand over problem to the incoming government.

“Even if it is bound to be taken from a bank, let it be done for timely completion of the project please. For us in the National Assembly, we want well transformed Hallowed Chambers to be handed over latest by April 2023,” he said.

Other lawmakers at the oversight visit were Senators Lekan Mustapha, Danjuma La’ah, Jibrin Isah, Micheal Nnachi, etc. (The Nation)

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