Misleading:Contractor Refutes Viral Attack on Awka-Nibo Project

Awka–Nibo Road

By our correspondent

The contractor handling the Awka–Nibo Road Project, J. Quarison International Ltd., has dismissed a viral video alleging that the work at the site is substandard. The company contends that the video is the handiwork of those who lost out on the contract bid.

The contractor further argued that the sections shown in the video were part of a project awarded over five years ago. According to the company, the work stalled due to the non-payment of certificates raised at the time, which made it impossible to continue the project for years.

The video in question alleged that the Anambra State Government awarded the contract to a company lacking expertise in road construction, which led to the failure of certain portions of the road.

However, Engr. Valentine Maduka, the Field Engineer for J. Quarison Int. Ltd., who took reporters on a tour of the site, clarified that the project was re-awarded after years of abandonment caused by non-payment.

He explained that the disputed areas were part of the original construction done before the project was renewed.

“This is the Ukwu Orji–Awka–Nibo–Isiagu Road with a 600-meter spur to Ugwu Orji and another 5-meter spur known as the Mega Water Spur,”

“There was a slight blockage in some drainage areas due to dislodgement into nearby drains, causing water to flow onto the road toward the Emeka Nwoka–Oye Nwuchichi spur. When water runs on the road, it can cause some damage, but it is not a frequent occurrence. Once it’s properly filled, the issue will no longer arise.”

“We’ve already applied sharp sand and other methods to address and prevent the problem, and it has been effectively resolved,” he explained.

“Regarding areas where water overflowed the drainage, we acknowledge some weaknesses, and those are being handled.”

“This situation can be attributed to the fact that the project dates back several years. The initial contract was awarded a long time ago before being reviewed and re-awarded. The main challenge is managing the existing drainage infrastructure, which has been in place for over five years.”

“While the contract was on hold, various damages occurred, including erosion of some road sections and drainage infrastructure. These issues have now been addressed, along with other affected areas.”he stated.

The field engineer stated that efforts are ongoing to remedy the situation:

“We are creating restraining beams to prevent further erosion, and we are reinforcing sections — even those constructed under the old contract — to ensure structural stability.”he added.

He stressed that the concerns raised in the viral video are minor:

“What people are talking about is not up to 4% of the total project. Issues like this are normal during construction. The job is ongoing. Had we completed the project, it would have been a different matter entirely.”

“We have completed nearly fifty kilometers of asphalt, and the stone base is almost done. By next week, we expect to finish asphalting the major sections of the road.”

Maduka also noted that work at the spurs is progressing:

“Earthworks are ongoing at the spurs, and within a couple of weeks, we should complete the earthworks and commence asphalting.”

“Of course, this timeline is subject to favorable weather conditions, which will determine how quickly we can complete the work,” he said.