Work Resumes on N668m Container Terminal Project
By Francis Ugwoke
The flood control and rehabilitation project at Lilly Pond Container Terminal, Lagos, abandoned by contractors for lack of funds, resumed last week at the seaport.
Before now, importers and customs agents had cried out because of the devastation of the terminal by flood which put goods at risk.
But Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Desmond Akawor, said last week that the contractors have resumed work in earnest after being mobilized to continue with the project.
The job which is being handled by DYS Troca Valsesia (DTV) at the cost of N668 million was abandoned after 60 percent completion due to non-release of funds from the port development levy and the enquiries of the Due Process Depart-ment in the Presidency.
Akawor who inspected the project applauded the contractors and their consultants for resuming work on the site in view of the significance of the terminal to the operations of the NPA.
The executive director expressed optimism that the project which involves re-surfacing of the flood-affected areas would be completed before the middle of next year, adding that by then funds being lost during the period of inactivity of the stacking areas would be recouped.
On the squatters at the terminal, Akawor said that the NPA management would soon get in touch with the Lagos State Government to discuss the issue with a view to settling it amicably.
He reiterated the commitment of the management to the early completion of the project, assuring that by then, all the problems being faced by port users would be a thing of the past.
While appreciating the difficulties experienced by the terminal users due to the periodic flooding within its container stacking areas, the executive director assured that the quality of work to be provided by the contract would stand the test of time.
The Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Christopher Borha, also said in a statement that the organisation has saved N9 billion from materials procurement alone within the last one year.
Borha explained that this was due to strict financial discipline and adherence to budgetary provisions.
Recounting the giant strides of the management after one year in office, he described the development as a "revolution," stating that there was over 3000 percent reduction in procurement cost within the system.
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