The Enugu State government has frowned at what is described as inhuman, the activities of fibre optic laying contractors who damage the newly laid water pipes and other government underground utility lines while digging the ground.
Governor Peter Mbah who made the assertion on Monday at the government house Enugu, listed indemnity and penalty for damage to utility and other critical infrastructure in the state.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia threatened to blacklist any contractor who is found wanton and also commence the process of cancelling the contract.
The governor noted with dismay that some contractors do not supervise their workers against damaging government properties, hence the reason for the meeting with them.
Dr Mbah said all work by the contractor in location that may affect the utility lines and other critical infrastructure shall not be done without the supervision by the relevant MDAs especially the ministry of works, noting that the government would fine and prosecute any contractor doing any work without supervision.
He said for the purpose of indemnity obligations listed out before the contractors, the utility and critical infrastructure include water supply and gas lines, electricity installations, sewage lines, fibre optic cable, internet, mobile phone masts and telephone wires, roads, drainages, kerbs, pedestrian paths, dedicated lanes, emergency lanes, trees and flowers, green areas, buildings, any accessory to the utility and the critical infrastructure.
The governor said the contractors must repair and restore any damage within 24 hours to its original state as if there was never any damage, stating that where the state fixes the damage, the contractor shall pay any costs which the state issues for the repairs.
Dr Mbah said where the contractor fails, neglects, or refuses to perform the indemnity obligations under the agreement, the state government may impose on the contractor any penalty including blacklisting, withholding of payment, cost, arrest and criminal prosecution for vandalism.
While reiterating commitment to delivering quality service to the people of the state as enshrined in his manifesto, the governor said his administration is very particular about maintaining and sustaining public infrastructure.
He said henceforth every approval for any fibre optic laying and other constructions must be vetted by the office of the governor through the office of the SSG, and urged the contractors to support the efforts of the government in making Enugu the best option for tourists and investors.
