By Christiana Lot
A peaceful demonstration unfolded within the Kabong Community on Tuesday, as residents voiced their dismay over the ongoing Tudun Wada Sabon Gari road project in the Jos North local government area of Plateau State.
The community members expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work being executed by the contractor, Joelex Construction.
Honorable Yakubu Choji, a prominent community leader and former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, articulated the grievances of the residents, underscoring the necessity for the road project to adhere to the lofty standards set by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
Choji emphasized that the community’s protest was imperative to ensure the effective utilization of taxpayers’ funds and to uphold the esteemed reputation of the governor.
“While we appreciate Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to completing this road project, our primary concern is to ensure that the standard of the road aligns with the high expectations set by this administration for infrastructure projects in Jos North and Bukuru metropolis.
“Our current actions are in accordance with democratic principles, as we are the direct beneficiaries of this project.
“We recall the Zaramaganda community in Jos South rejecting a construction project due to quality concerns, leading the contractor to make adjustments and deliver a satisfactory outcome. We aim for a similar result here. Governor Mutfwang is dedicated to ensuring quality service delivery in infrastructure, and we expect nothing less from the contractor.
“Our support for Governor Mutfwang’s administration remains unwavering, as he has demonstrated a commitment to advancing Plateau State. However, we stress the significance of the contractor delivering work of exceptional quality, as it involves taxpayers’ funds, and any deficiencies would tarnish the administration’s reputation,” he stated.
In defense of the contractor, the site engineer, Engr. Dung Nyam, affirmed that the work adheres to specifications and that decisions are made in consultation with the Resident Engineer overseeing operations on-site.
“While protests may arise, it is crucial to place trust in the expertise of the Resident Engineer and the contractor’s dedication to delivering the best possible outcome for the community.
“The Resident Engineer’s wealth of experience ensures that critical decisions, such as asphalt laying, undergo thorough scrutiny. Our goal is to provide the community with the highest quality standards.
“I assure both you and the government that should any issues arise within the next five years, accountability will be ensured,” Engineer Nyam assured.
However, tensions escalated when the Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Barrister Peter Gar, arrived on the scene and insisted on being interviewed by journalists, despite being informed that his ministry was not responsible for awarding the contract to the contractor.
The commissioner’s outburst further exacerbated the community’s apprehensions regarding the transparency and accountability of the project.Top of Form
