The Ebonyi State government has ordered the contractor handling Section 3 of the Isu-Oriegu-Obeagu-Ezzaegu road, Dominic Okechukwu, to stop work on the road immediately for using materials that were not specified for him by the government on the project.

The government, which described the materials as substandard, said it is highly interested in quality work on all its projects to ensure durability.

The Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Felix Igboke, stopped the project while inspecting ongoing projects across the state at the weekend.

Igboke also decried the quality of work being executed on the Nwode/Ndiegu Echara road in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state and urged the contractor to immediately start creating expansion joints on the road to curb cracks.

“We have noticed some discrepancies in BRC. Some are okay, while some are less than what we expected.

“So, it is a mistake; it should be removed immediately. We have already sized the one we saw on the road, which is not up to what we want. So, let the contractor continue with the one we say okay, they can use,” he said.

He ordered the contractor to immediately provide a water tanker to wet the floor and cure the concrete on the project.

He threatened to stop work on the project if he comes back to the site and does not see the water tanker.

Igboke urged all contractors handling state government projects to speed up their work before the rainy season sets in.

The commissioner also inspected the internal roads in Izzi and Amaeze communities, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, and the 140-unit housing projects in the two communities being constructed for those affected by the crisis between the people of Ezillo/Ezza-Ezillo.

He said the housing units, internal roads and drainage that are ongoing are expected to be completed soon. (The Sun)