Damaturu: Mr. Muttaqa Darma, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has issued a stern warning regarding the potential revocation of the Renewed Hope housing units contract in Damaturu due to significant delays in completion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Darma inspected the 250-housing units project in Damaturu and expressed dissatisfaction with the progress, noting that only 40% of the work had been completed by the contractors, Jikanti, Katalist Dynamics, and Yalwa. The contract, valued at N5 billion, was awarded in 2024 with an expected completion timeline of four months. However, the project has stalled at about 40% completion, raising concerns over the contractors’ commitment and capability to fulfill the agreement.
Darma dismissed the contractors’ claims of insufficient funds as an excuse, stating that a responsible contractor should honor the agreement and complete the work within the stipulated four months, even in the absence of immediate financial compensation. He emphasized the importance of extending the contract duration if financial constraints prevent timely completion, instead of offering excuses for delays. He criticized the contractors for not adhering to this standard of responsibility, likening it to an unacceptable situation.
Additionally, Darma highlighted that even the completed components, such as roads, did not meet the contract specifications, further questioning the quality of the work done. He mentioned that retention money is still held by the ministry, urging the contractors to rectify the issues to meet the standards outlined in the contract. Darma expressed his overall dissatisfaction with the project’s progress and quality.
The minister announced plans to tour the country to inspect the approximately 15,000 Renewed Hope housing unit projects, signaling that decisive actions would be taken against contractors who fail to meet their obligations.