By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Tuesday terminated the contract awarded to NBHH for nine roads in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The road network totalling 14.053km was cancelled forfailure of the contractor to deliver the project on stipulated time.

Soludo terminated the contract when he conducted an on-site inspection of Okpoko, a densely populated community, revealing unfinished infrastructure projects and sanitation concerns.

Speaking during the inspection, the Governor expressed dissatisfaction with the state of some of the nine road projects initially scheduled for completion in June 2023 and deemed the contractor "incompetent".

He said that his government will seek a new contractor to ensure swift completion of the project.

To the contractor he said: "You were given this job on September 10, with expected delivery for June. Nice months after, are still at 40 percent. This shows you are incompetent and for this, this contract is terminated.

"You were paid 50 percent mobilisation for this project. No state pays that much anywhere. We will calculate to know how much you will be refunding government. Tom, pack your things and leave. I will look for another person to do the job.”

The Governor who condemned the practice of street trading harped on the need for organized markets.

He further announced the construction of a modern fruit and vegetable market to relocate street vendors and improve overall aesthetics.

While highlighting the poor sanitation conditions of the area, Soludo ordered immediate cleanup efforts, assuring that the SASA Anti-Tout Task Force will address harassment and illegal levies imposed on traders.

He tasked local market unions with internal security arrangements, assuring that the government will ensure overall peace and safety.

Reiterating his focus on helping the underserved, Governor Soludo pledged continued infrastructure development in Okpoko, including street lights, pipe-borne water, and a standard general hospital.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging residents to play their part in maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

Governor Soludo's visit underscores his commitment to improving living conditions in Okpoko through infrastructure development, improved sanitation, and organized market systems.

While acknowledging challenges, he emphasized the shared responsibility between the government and residents to achieve progress.

Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for Ogbaru, Local Government Area, Mr. Paschal Aniegbuna, applauded Governor Soludo for his commitment to transforming the Okpoko community into a livable homeland.

He expressed optimism about Governor Soludo transforming the Okpoko markets into modern markets, following the government's meeting with Okpoko market leaders.

The Governor was accompanied on the imsoection by a delegation comprising the Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, the Chief of Protocol, Mr Chinedu Nwoye, MD/CEO of ARTMA, Engr Okonkwo Emeka, among others.