From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Residents of Idah, headquarters of Idah local government of Kogi State have called for the intervention of Governor Usman Ododo and his deputy Salifu Oyibo over the abandonment of Idah township roads by the contractor handling the project.
The residents in save our soul petition to the governor, lamented that the contractor has virtually abandoned the project and disappeared from site and leaving residents with untold hardship.
According to the petition signed by an Idah-based group known as “Ane-Igala Socio Cultural Development Association (AISCDA)” led by
Chief Akwu Goodman, “The people of Idah wish to bring to your urgent attention the deeply unsatisfactory state of the ongoing Idah Township Road Construction Project.
The petitioners said, “It is both disheartening and unacceptable that the contractor handling this critical infrastructure project has demonstrated gross incompetence and has abandoned the site.
“Even more troubling are credible concerns that some engineers and technical officers assigned to supervise the work have compromised standards and deviated from approved specifications.
“A project that was awarded nearly a year ago has, sadly, remained the way it was the day the governor flagged off it’s construction since July last year. There is little to show for the time, resources, and taxpayers’ money invested so far.
“This situation is not only disappointing but also a disservice to the good people of Idah and Kogi State at large.
“We, the host and beneficiary community, can no longer stand by and watch this level of inefficiency and apparent neglect. We therefore respectfully call on the Kogi State Government to immediately terminate the contract due to non-performance.
“We also demand that the contractor be compelled to resume work immediately or the contract be re-awarded to a more competent and capable contractor with a proven track record of efficiency and capacity.
“We also demand a deployment of an independent team of engineers to the site to verify these claims and assess the current state of work.
“Furthermore, we expect the Deputy Governor, being a son of the constituency, to take a more active and supervisory role in ensuring that this project is delivered efficiently and to standard.
“Given that Idah is the seat of the revered Ata Igala, it is only proper that development projects within the kingdom reflect dignity, quality, and timely execution.
“We trust in your leadership, Your Excellency, and urge you to take swift and decisive action to address this matter in the interest of the people.”
