-Frowns that Economic Summit Was Not Held There Due to Dilapidation
A building expert and Canada-based Igbo professional, Engr. Dr. Robinson Chikere, has called on the Imo State Government to accelerate the re-roofing of the newly built but dilapidated Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC).
Dr. Chikere made the call in a statement he issued to the media on Monday in Owerri, titled “The Urgent Need to Expedite Action on the Re-Roofing of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.”
According to him, Imo State recently hosted world economic leaders under the banner of the Imo Economic Summit, and the expectation of Imo people and Nigerians was that the event would take place at the iconic EIICC.
“Lo and behold, that expectation was dashed. Every right-thinking citizen was deeply disappointed that such an international summit, meant to showcase the state to the outside world, was held in an obscure location within the state,” he said.
Dr. Chikere urged the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to expedite action on the ongoing re-roofing work at the centre. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being carried out by the current contractor, noting that the project now reflects a high level of professional engineering expertise.
“There is what is called professional touch in engineering work, which the present contractor handling the roofing project has clearly demonstrated. Nothing should be done to undermine the quality of work we are now witnessing,” he stated.
He further noted that the image of the state government was negatively affected by the collapse of the centre’s roof, adding that he felt embarrassed to be associated with the state at the time of the incident.
“I commend the current contractor for understanding that a building of such magnitude requires a highly elevated roof. The steel structure and overall workmanship demonstrate competence and should be encouraged. The governor should ensure that this quality of work is sustained,” he added.
Dr. Chikere criticized the previous contractor for what he described as “shoddy work,” stating that the present contractor appears to be restoring the government’s image through quality execution of the project.
