The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, said Setraco Nigeria Ltd was doing a comprehensively good work on the Southern Parkway Road project in Abuja.
Wike gave the comnendation in Abuja on Wednesday, after inspecting some road projects in the territory.
The southern parkway road project connects Ecumenical Centre, through Federal Capital Development Authority office complex/NTA and Nnamdi Azikiwe Way in the city centre.
Wike was however not confortable with the suggestion by the management of the company that it might ask for variations in light of inflationary trend in tbe economy.
When the minister queried the contractor on installation of streetlights, the Managing Director, Mr Ziad Mouannes, said they would have to meet with the minister to discuss issues of variation.
Wike said he would not be a party to any variation because he had paid the company about 97 per cent of the contract sum.
“We agreed on the funding pattern, and I can authoritatively tell you that we have not failed.
“When I asked them about the streetlights, he (the company’s Managing Director) talked about variation. From the records that I have, we have paid 97 per cent.
“You know I will never accept that, because we have funded the project very well without any failure on our part. I have told them categorically that there cannot be any variation on that project.
He further emphasised that the issue of variation was not on the negotiation table.
Responding to the Minister’s concerns on variation, Mouannes insisted that the company should be given the opportunity to have a meeting with the officials of the FCTA to discuss and settle the matter.
He assured the authorities of the commitment of Setraco to the execution of the project within agreed specifications.
But speaking generally on the road projects inspected, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work so far fone by Setraco.
“We saw what Setraco is doing, it is quite comprehensive, and that will change the landscape of the area, and I am happy with the quality of job.”
The minister tasked Setraco to deliver the road project before May 29, 2024.
“Then we went to Guzape where Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Ltd is constructing the road network, and we are happy that the company reiterated its commitment to deliver the project by May 20.
“At Arterial Road N20, also by Gilmor, from Northern Parkway (N8) Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way to the Outer Northern Express Way, you can also see the quality of work they are doing.
“I strongly believe that we will meet the time, and I am happy with the quality of Job,” he said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
