Minister of Works David Umahi has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on Section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt) being handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), noting that the contractor has only been able to access N7,000,000,000.00 out of the N21,000,000,000.00 provided for the project last year.

Consequently, he instructed the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Rivers State, to issue a warning to the contractor, promising to terminate it if there are no improvements in the tempo of work.

On the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia-Aba), he applauded the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors (Nigeria) Limited, on the quality of work but instructed them to deploy more men in two more sites to speed up the construction and, most importantly, meet the set deadline.

He also directed the Contractor, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), to deploy more resources to hasten the pace of work or face rescoping and reaward of the contract.

In a statement, the minister gave the instructions while inspecting the progress of work on the project. He reminded the contractor that he has up to the end of April 2025 to deliver a section of the carriageway.

Umahi began the inspection of ongoing road projects in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones on January 7, 2025, with the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia-Aba).

The tour of duty also took the minister to the Bodo-Bonny Road, where he, again, voiced discontent with the level of work achieved. He prodded the contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc (JBN), to upscale its deployment of men, materials and machines, despite working throughout the Yuletide holidays. The project, a critical component of the South-South zone?s infrastructure development, is a two-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 metres and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.

?At all construction sites visited, Umahi stressed the urgency to meet deadlines, emphasising that all federal contractors must intensify their efforts to ensure the timely realisation of projects, in line with the Federal Government?s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, succinctly captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The essence is to improve connectivity, as well as stimulate socio-economic growth,? he further explained, the statement noted.

The minister issued clear directives to Federal Controllers of Works to present at least four completed projects each for commissioning from February to May 20 this year.

?The expectation is that every controller delivers on his mandates, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays,? he declared.

In the light of the delay in the delivery of some projects, the minister cautioned that the ministry is poised to take decisive action.

?The ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor who does not meet its contractual obligations will face consequences, culminating in a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract,? he added, emphasising that such actions would apply to all underperforming contracts.

Despite the challenges, he reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects, as well as the four legacy projects he initiated.

?The president has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course,? he assured.

Umahi guaranteed that the ministry will continue to closely monitor all ongoing projects, ensuring that they align with President Tinubu?s vision for accelerated national growth and development. He concluded by calling for greater teamwork from all stakeholders in the management and delivery of road and bridge projects.

?We all need to work together ? government, contractors and the general public ? towards ensuring that deadlines are met. No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects,? he reasserted. (Daily Sun)

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