Reps C’ttee slams pace of work on A’Ibom housing project

The House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work done at the Renewed Hope Estate Project in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital.

This is just as the panel frowned at the quality of the job done on Umu Etuk-Spencer Esin slum upgrade road in Oron.

The Chairman of the Committee, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, scolded the four contractors handling the projects, saying they might need to give way for the engagement of competent hands.

Abiante stated this on Saturday while leading members of the committee on an oversight visit to inspect the projects.

The Renewed Hope Estate Project is a 250 housing unit in Uyo, awarded to three contractors.

He said despite being funded up to 30 per cent each by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the work done so far was nothing to write home about.

According to him, the project, which was awarded in June 2024, ought to have been completed since September 2024. Abiante further stressed the need for the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Architect, Ahmed Dangiwa, to engage sincere and experienced contractors in the implementation of federal projects.

He called for a total reconstruction of the Umu Etuk-Spencer Esin road slum upgrade.

He said, “The contractor that handled this Oron road project succeeded in wasting funds allocated to it on substandard materials. As you can see, the visible deplorable state of a road newly constructed in July this year, aiming to ameliorate the sufferings of the people living in this region. The committee is not happy with this situation.

“The three different contractors namely Springwell Intercontinental Resources, Tunsoye Trust Global Link and Hyosungs Nigeria Limited handling the 250 housing units in Uruan, Uyo Capital City and this slum upgrade road in Oron Local government Area by Logine Limited, have pure intentions to sabotage the efforts of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.”

He directed the Clerk of the Committee to officially invite the Minister of Urban Development and Regional Planning, as well as the four contractors to appear before the committee on Thursday next week.