COMPLETE CARRIAGE WAYS BEFORE WORKING ON SPURS.... FG Orders Contractors

"The use of concrete technology in road construction is cheaper, safer and reduces the longer time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after the project completion, and that with the use of concrete pavement, no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable.

Contractors working on Federal roads in the South East Region have been directed to concentrate on the completion of carriageways first before working on the spurs to ensure the speedy completion of the project for use.

This directive was made by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr Dave Nweze Umahi during the inspection of the construction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States by MTN Nigeria Communication Plc, The Rehabilitation of Old Enugu-Onitsha Road (Opi Junction-Ukehe-Okpatu-Awhum, Abor-Udi-Oji to Anambra border and many other road construction projects at the ongoing inspection tours of all the federal roads project going on in the region.

A statement issued and signed by Blessing Lere-Adams, Director, Press and Public Relations disclosed that the Minister ordered that the remaining portion of the roads still under construction be done using concrete pavement as he noticed that some of the road shoulders are already cracking because the quality of bitumen in use is of low quality and adulterated.

"I will allow the portions already laid with asphalt but the failing road shoulder should be replaced with concrete carriage; I know what I am saying. The quality of bitumen in this country is low and adulterated. We will not give up the fight till we get to the level where after construction, the road stays for 30 – 50 years before we talk of maintenance," He said.

Umahi maintained that the use of concrete technology in road construction is cheaper, safer and reduces the longer time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after the project completion, and that with the use of concrete pavement, no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable.

“It is safer doing it on concrete and cheaper, I believe strongly that when a project is so expensive it keeps the contractor a longer time on site because he will keep delaying to get all his payment meanwhile there is no money to pay him so he keeps staying on site doing nothing.  

The Minister directed all contractors that have left their site because of payment to quickly and immediately move back to site or he will terminate the contract noting that the monies released already to the contractors from what he was told is suppose, to complete the carriageways before requesting for additional money. 

"I am optimistic that the money available will complete the work, come with your bill of quantity so we review it and give you proper directive, move back to site immediately to continue your work within 7 days or I terminate the contractor, you cannot say we are owing you and because of that you stop work," He said.

Umahi promised the contractors that availability of fund is not going to be a challenge when they do their own part.  He added that he will be meeting with the funding partners and the one being financed through appropriation, all will be given attention.

“You said there is no money to complete the project, it is my duty to chase the debt, it is yours to go back to site. I guarantee that the money will be paid, I will meet with the financers and we will do what we are suppose to do."

The Hon. Minister Of Works Engr. David Umahi, Deputy Chairman Senate Committee On Public Accounts, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Director Highways South East Engr. Bede U.Obioha And Other Top Management Staff Of The Ministry At Inspection Of The Construction Of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Road In Anambra And Enugu Section II State On The 6th September, 2023.

The Minister demanded that the Director Highways South East, Engr. Bede Obioha brings up the entire project for review to see how they will put ideas together to ensure that all the outstanding  projects be completed and be open for usage.

During his briefing, the Operations Manager, Niger Cat Construction Company Ltd. Engr. Fadi Mosaad welcomed the Minister and commended the Minister’s directives on the use of concrete pavement saying it is going to help considering the soil texture and the terrain of the zone.

The projects visited are: Rehabilitation of old Enugu-PortHarcourt Road (Agbogugu-Abia Border spur to Mmaku, Rehabilitation of Oji-Achi-mmaku-Awgu-Ndeabgor Road section 1 in Enugu State, Construction of Ugwueme-Nenwenta-Mkwe-Ezere-Awunta-Obeagu-Mgbidi Nmaku Road in Enugu State, construction of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States, The Rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra.