The Federal Government has ordered an immediate suspension of the reconstruction work on the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State. Minister of Works, David Umahi, delivered this directive during a media chat in Port Harcourt. Umahi’s decision stemmed from the discovery of sub-standard materials being used by the contractor responsible for the project.
Expressing disappointment over the slow pace of construction despite an advance payment of N33 billion, Umahi emphasized the need for the project to benefit the people. He raised concerns about the quality of sand being used, highlighting the importance of using river sharp sand for a robust and durable pavement structure. Umahi revealed that upon inspection, he found the sand to be inadequate, lacking the required properties for a lasting road foundation.
The Minister’s commitment to halting the project until irregularities are addressed underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring quality infrastructure for its citizens, even if it means facing delays and challenges.
Federal Government’s Concerns Over Project Progress and Expenditure
During the media chat, Minister Umahi expressed his dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of work despite the substantial financial investment made by the Federal Government. He revealed that an advance payment of N33 billion had been made to expedite the project, responding to the urgency expressed by President Buhari in September. However, Umahi lamented that the contractor’s progress had not matched the allocated funds.
Highlighting the imminent rainy season, the Minister stressed the urgency of resolving the project’s irregularities to prevent prolonged suffering for the people. He drew attention to the financial implications of the delay, emphasizing the accumulating interest on the bill every month. Umahi’s commitment to ensuring that the project benefits the community and meets the required standards reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to accountable and efficient infrastructure development.
The Minister’s announcement serves as a strong signal that the Federal Government is prioritizing quality over speed, signaling a commitment to delivering lasting and dependable infrastructure for the benefit of the citizens in Rivers State. This decision, while causing a temporary halt, underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to address issues promptly and transparently, ultimately ensuring the success of crucial infrastructure projects.
Neglected Eleme-Onne Axis of East-West Road: A Burlesque of Unfulfilled Promises
In the heart of Nigeria’s economic lifeline lies the Eleme-Onne axis of the East-West Road, a crucial artery linking Warri in Delta State to Oron and Eket in Akwa Ibom State. Despite its significance, this section, particularly Section IIIA covering Port Harcourt/Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction, has endured almost two decades of neglect, standing as a stark metaphor for how not to manage vital infrastructure. This predicament began with the contract for the dualisation of the 338-kilometre East-West Road, awarded in sections during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Successive administrations, from Obasanjo to Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari, have failed to address the dire condition of the Eleme-Onne axis. While Jonathan’s upward review of the contract sum provided a glimmer of hope, it proved futile in breaking the cycle of promises without tangible action. The completion of Sections I and II, spanning from Warri to Kaima and Onne Port Junction to Eket township, highlights the paradox of neglecting a mere 15-kilometer stretch that holds immense economic significance.
The Economic Pulse of Neglected Roads: Over 300 Oil and Gas Companies at Stake
Despite its relatively short length, the Eleme-Onne axis is the lifeblood of social and economic activities in the region, playing host to over 300 oil and gas companies. These entities contribute significantly to the nation’s wealth, generating over N500 billion annually. This neglected stretch is not just a road; it is a gateway to the Onne oil and gas free zone, a colossal industrial hub housing more than 200 oil and gas companies, including key players like the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Orleans Invest Africa Limited, and Total Premier Services.
This hub is not just about profit margins; it encompasses critical federal government operations involving the Nigeria Customs Service, Indorama, Port Harcourt Refinery, and more. The continued neglect of the Eleme-Onne axis not only jeopardizes the economic pulse of the nation but also poses a threat to the welfare of countless citizens relying on the opportunities generated by this vital industrial corridor. As blank assurances persist, the urgency for concrete actions to rectify this long-standing neglect becomes more pressing than ever.
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