By Margaret Oraza
Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Kenneth Achabo, has charged the contractor handling the reconstruction of the palace of the Och’ldoma, Intra Engineering and Turnkey Limited, to abide by the contractual terms and deliver a quality job within the stipulated time frame.
Barr Achabo who gave this charge while inspecting the commencement of work on the palace of the Och’ldoma recently thanked Governor Samuel Ortom for keeping to his promise of constructing a befitting edifice for the paramount ruler of Idoma, despite the paucity of funds in the state. He said that the governor had left no one in doubt that he was committed to the welfare of the people, especially traditional rulers, citing the recent presentation of operational vehicles to all the graded chiefs in the state and inauguration of the ultra-modern Tor Tiv Palace in Gboko. He assured of the resolve of the bureau under his watch to ensure that the project was completed without hitches.
Also, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Ekpe Ogbu, re-assured of the commitment of his ministry to ensure strict supervision of the project and expressed confidence in the ability of the contractor to deliver on the job.
Speaking on behalf of the contracting firm, Managing Director and Executive Officer of the company, Engr Agaba Ikwue, said the company was poised to complete the project within nine months and stated that the project includes construction of the main residential mansion, administrative block, main gate, service quarters and landscaping. He also thanked Governor Ortom for finding his company worthy of the assignment and promised to justify the confidence reposed in his company.
Responding, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council and Vice Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, George Ali, assured of the support of the council chairmen in the Benue South Senatorial district to ensure timely completion of the project.