Reps probe N10.7bn abandoned MDGs water project in 9 states

House of Representative on Tuesday resolved to investigate the utilisation of the N10.7 billion on abandoned water projects in nine states of the federation.

The states are Kaduna, Abia, Niger, Kaduna, Imo, Ogun, Edo, Kwara and Gombe. The water projects were implemented by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2009.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Prestige Ossy.

According to him, the MDGs office under the Presidency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources provided N10.7 billion towards ensuring the MDGs on water supply exit programme was achieved.

He said the N10.7 billion was disbursed as follows: in Kaduna – Zaria water supply rehabilitation (N514m) and Zobe water supply project phase I & II (N4.396bn). In Abia (Aba water supply rehabilitation (N1.458bn) and Umuahia water supply scheme (N319m); Niger (Zungeru/Wushishi water supply scheme (N514m), Katsina (Sabkej Dutsi-Mashi water supply (N436m), and Imo (Federal University of Technology, Owerri water scheme (N40m).

Others include: Ogun – Oke Aleji water supply scheme (N171m), Abeokuta water supply project (N39m); Edo – Northern Ishan regional water supply (N406m) Kwara – Ilorin water supply (special) project (N145m) and Gombe – Kumo and Duku water improvement scheme (N442m).

He disclosed that the following contractors were engaged to handle the projects: Bi-Water Nigeria Ltd; Global Allied Engineering Ltd; Arms Service, Jos Hanson, CGC Nigeria Ltd, Atlantic Drilling Nigeria Ltd and Saidi Nigeria Ltd. The rest are Ibrahim Ventures, Nalado Nigeria Ltd, Balton BV-DWA Nigeria Ltd, WRECA Kano, Enigma Nigeria Ltd, Olymax Nigeria Ltd, JDP Construction Nigeria Ltd, Chisol Assets Ltd, Kammato Ind. Systems, Nelson Benjmain Ltd, Kango Nigeria Ltd, George Wimpey and Saihac Global Nigeria Ltd.

According to him, the services of the following consultants were retained: Ciwat Engineering, Advance Engineering Consultants, Nika International Ltd, JKW Nigeria Ltd, Parkman Nigeria Ltd, Gauff Ecological Consultants, ATA Engineering, Obiukwu-Okeke Asspociates, Water & Dams Services Company, Harwick Nigeria Ltd, SAB Consultants, AOP Consult and Sshwed Associates.

He said the contractors were fully mobilised and wondered why the contracts had been abandoned. The motion was adopted without opposition.