By Abdulkareem Haruna

The governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum, on Monday, Oct.24, revealed reasons why Chinese construction firms will continue to get patronage in the state. 

Governor Zulum said unlike other construction firms, the Chinese deliver speedily and don’t ask for variation whenever a contract deal is signed.

He said the Chinese who have been responsible for most of the roads and bridges built by his government, so far, are known for the speedy completion of projects. Adding that the best part of mingling with Chinese businessmen is that they avoid what he hates most – asking for “variation”. 

The governor made this remark while flagging off the construction of a  5.125km road with 10.248 km drainage and about 1.22km outfall. 

The roads crisscrossed and linked 11  communities in Jere and Mafa local government areas of the state that are bound with the outskirts of Maiduguri, the state capital. 

The governor said the projects were being executed in fulfillment of the electioneering campaign promise he made to the communities.

“We are here to flag off the construction of 11 township road projects totaling about 5.12km road with 10.248km drainage network in Simari covering both Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas,” Governor Zulum said. 

While charging the contractors on the need to fast-track the completion of the project, the governor warned against delays that may lead to demands for variation in the cost of the project.

 Contract variation happens when parties decide to perform part of a contract differently or seek extra funds outside the one they’d originally agreed in the document due change in the original design or an anticipated increase in the cost of materials. 

But Governor Zulum blames unnecessary delays as the chief cost of variation – which he abhors. 

“Since I assumed office as the governor of Borno state, under my watch contracts are awarded to contractors based on one fundamental fact. No variation. That means it is up to you, the contractor if you can fast-track the completion of your project, you will get your payments due. And looking at the increasing costs of items, you have no other option than to fast-track the completion of this project. I have instructed the commissioner to take note and link up with the Ministry of Finance so that we keep aside funds needed for this contract.

He further recalled “that when the Chinese started the construction of the Customs flyover, which was about three and a half years ago, we told them that if they did good work we would partner with them. Since then, there has never been a time when the Chinese working in Borno state have remained idle. We promise to keep you busy too as long as you promise to give us the best.” 

Zulum also noted that Simari is a community flooded by rainwater, largely due to lack of access roads and drainage with thousands facing difficulties in accessing their places of work and public facilities like health.