Ogun government issues stop-work order to contractor over substandard materials

The Ogun state government has issued a stop-work order to the contractor handling the Paddy Arikawe road in Sagamu over violation of contract specifications.

On Monday, December 15, the Ogun state ministry of works and infrastructure issued a stop-work order to Slavabogu Nigeria Limited, the firm handling the 3.39 km project, after its resident engineer reported that the contractor was using singly reinforced steel for drainage works instead of the required doubly reinforced steel.

This is the second time work on the road has been stopped. Phase one, a 260-metre constituency project linked to Gbenga Daniel, senator representing Ogun east and ex-governor of the state, was previously halted for not meeting specifications.

Kayode Akinmade, special adviser on media and strategy to the governor, said in a statement on Wednesday that the contractor was directed to demolish all improperly constructed concrete bases and remove the reinforcement steel before reconstructing with the specified doubly reinforced steel and grade 30 concrete.

Akinmade said the state government is committed to providing quality infrastructure that lasts and stressed that safety concerns prompted the stop-work order.

He warned all contractors engaged by the state government to strictly adhere to contract specifications, noting there would be no tolerance for substandard work that could endanger lives.

“The Dapo Abiodun administration is fully committed to the delivery of quality roads that will stand the test of time,” he said.

“The letter addressed to the contractor handling the reconstruction of the Paddy Arikawe road by the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, was driven by safety considerations, as the ministry had observed significant concerns regarding non-compliance with the reinforcement detailing for the drainage construction works, which do not conform to the specifications detailed in the contract documents.

“In view of this development, the Government hereby warns all state contractors to follow specifications religiously, as there is no room for shoddy works that would compromise the safety of Ogun citizens.”