Niger Delta: EGCDF awards contracts to native contractors

By Enaibo Asiayei

The Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited in Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas, Delta State, has awarded projects worth N643, 608,485.22 million to contractors in the area, charging the contractors to complete the projects in record time.

The projects included construction of bungalows, access walkways, concrete jetties, waiting sheds, access roads, staff quarters, renovation of school building, perimeter fence, landscaping of hostel block, renovation of cottage hospital and water scheme in 14 communities out of the 17 communities and blocs that constituted the EGCDF.

In his speech during the signing ceremony of the new projects circle by the Executive Chairman of Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Ambassador Jude Ebitimi Ukori said the project selection, scoping and bid process were in line with the EGCDF practice.

He explained that the 16 projects were keenly contested for by five contractors from the host communities for each project. He added that the engagement of the indigenous contractors with projects was to build their capacity to enable them compete with others globally.

Ukori noted that the current executive of the EGCDF met a lot of projects that were ongoing with little money available to complete them.

“So we were patient and careful to ensure that the projects were completed. And as I speak with you 99 per cent of such projects have been completed”, he said.

A representative of Chevron Nigeria limited, Mr Emmanuel Emeribe said it’s company is very happy with what EGCDF is doing in order to develop the Communities within it’s environment, adding that the Foundation is bringing the dividents of the Gmou to the grassroots.

He stressed that the Foundation is strictly following the objective of the Gmou and fulfilling it, adding that contractors should make every proper arrangements to kick start and complete the projects before the end of the year in order for the present administration to commission it’s projects before or at the end of it’s administration.