Encouraging local contractors

Many local contractors have been registered in this country whose competence is in doubt, but quite a few ones are definitely above their counterparts in terms of the quality of roads that they executed.

The recently inaugurated NEPA/Arakale dualised road executed by the Ondo State Ministry of Works and awarded to an indigenous contractor, Fountain Construction Company Limited, is a case study. The quality of job done by the contractor is no doubt of the high standards expected from a foreign construction company. Going by the remarks made by the governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, during the inauguration ceremony on December 16th, 2016: “The road was completed and delivered over three years ago without any noticeable defects or failure.”

That a road could be completed and immediately opened to traffic within the commercial hub of Akure metropolis for over three years without noticeable defects clearly indicates good supervision and workmanship.

Apparently, some road projects awarded at the same time that the NEPA/Arakale road was awarded are still ongoing, even though these roads are being handled by foreign contractors. Such roads are Oba-Ile/Airport junction road (CGC Ltd); Ita-Nla/Roundabout Ife junction road Ondo township (CRECC Ltd). The quality of job produced by the Chinese companies is below the standard expected from competent foreign firms.

To this end, the tiers of government should endeavour to patronise competent local contractors which have demonstrated a high level of competence in road and bridge construction.

Apart from the charges from such local firms being significantly lower than the foreign ones, the issue of local content policy of the Federal Government is adequately addressed, with the resultant job employment benefits to the society.

Fajemisin Oladele

Akure, Ondo State.