The Federal Government has directed the contractor handling the Eleme section of the East-West Road to fast-track drainage work to meet the April deadline for completion.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the directive while inspecting the ongoing 15km road upgrade from Eleme Junction to Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Commending Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited for the progress made, Umahi, however, stressed that drainage construction must be prioritised to avoid delays.
“RCC has done very well. The work completed in the past two months is more than what was done since the project started. However, the project slowed down significantly when the site manager went on leave. I’m happy to see him back and satisfied with the quality of work RCC is delivering,” he said.
The minister also cautioned against unnecessary excavation for financial gain, insisting that existing road shoulders must be tested before digging.
“The existing shoulder has to be tested throughout. I don’t want them digging up areas filled with sharp sand and stone base just to increase costs. If they don’t test it and request approval for any section they dig, they won’t get paid,” he warned.
Umahi expressed concern over the slow pace of drainage work and instructed the contractor to adopt a more efficient approach, including precast drainage systems for quicker installation, even during the rainy season.
“I’m happy with the project’s progress, and I believe they will complete the carriageway by the end of April. However, if drainage work is not completed, the project remains unfinished. They must accelerate drainage work to ensure we clear this carriageway by April,” he stated.
To ease traffic congestion, the minister also directed that any section of the road left untouched for 21 days after concrete casting should be opened for public use.
“Anywhere that has stayed 21 days since concrete was cast should be opened to road users, starting today. This concrete technology will ensure the road lasts between 50 and 100 years without maintenance or reconstruction. It is a signature project of President Bola Tinubu,” he added.
Umahi also inspected the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, Section IV (Aba–Port Harcourt), which is being handled by the Chinese Construction Engineering Company.
