The Ebonyi State Government has warned that it may terminate all delayed two-kilometre rural road projects across the state’s three senatorial zones after several contractors failed to complete the projects within the agreed timelines.
The Commissioner for Special Projects, Ngozi Obichukwu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Abakaliki after a meeting with contractors handling the ongoing 2km rural road projects.
Obichukwu said the meeting focused on assessing project progress and addressing concerns about prolonged delays experienced by many contractors.
She said the state government would no longer tolerate unnecessary delays and stressed that contractors handling the affected projects risk contract termination if they fail to meet their obligations.
According to her, the Ministry of Special Projects was established to ensure that government projects are delivered on schedule and in line with approved standards.
“The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that the jobs given to contractors are completed. Not only should they be completed, but they must also be completed on time. Over time, many of the jobs have not been completed,” she said.
Obichukwu added that the proposed termination would affect contractors handling the ongoing two-kilometre rural road projects in the three senatorial zones of Ebonyi State.
She said the ministry would strengthen project monitoring to ensure that contractors deliver all assigned projects without avoidable delays.
The commissioner praised Ebonyi State Governor for expanding infrastructure development across rural communities through the construction of access roads and other public projects.
She noted that while some government projects are long-term, the two-kilometre rural road projects were designed for quick execution because of their importance to rural development.
Obichukwu said the completed roads have already improved transportation in several communities, making it easier for residents to access essential services and move agricultural produce from farms to urban markets.
She explained that improved road networks have reduced transportation challenges for farmers and supported economic activities in many rural areas of the state.
According to her, discussions with the contractors also covered issues affecting project execution, including terrain challenges and documentation required for project certification.
She expressed optimism that the engagement would help resolve outstanding issues and accelerate the completion of the affected projects.
The Ebonyi State Government has continued to prioritise rural infrastructure as part of its development agenda, with the two-kilometre rural road initiative aimed at improving connectivity, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing economic activities across communities.
