The Federal Government has ordered that rehabilitation work on the Eleme-Onne stretch of Rivers State’s East-West Road be halted immediately.
David Umahi, Minister of Works, issued the directive at a media briefing with journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The previous Ebonyi State Governor stated that the decision was made in response to the contractor’s usage of inferior materials on the project.
The minister, who stated that he had conducted an inspection of ongoing work on the projects the day before, expressed disappointment with the poor pace of work, despite the fact that the government had provided an advance payment of N33 billion to guarantee that no sharp practice occurred.
He insisted that the work cease until several project flaws were remedied.
Umahi said that the President instructed him to pay N33 billion for the start of road construction in September after certain Rivers State residents visited him.
He stated that when he arrived at the spot in September, he discovered that the sand used by the contractors was not the recommended river sharp.
“What we paid for is river sharp sand. I’m not satisfied. When I saw that sand, I wasn’t happy,” he added.
The minister revealed that he had requested that the sand be removed, but was “very surprised” that instead of removing the sand, they had proceeded with it.
He said:
“The project must benefit the people, we don’t care. The raining season is coming in two months and the people will keep suffering. You have our N33 billion. Do you know how the interest rate is every month on the bill?”
“The contractor is carrying out the job, but at snail speed. If we allow him even another five years, he will not finish it. So we are not going to allow him.”
cc: Daily Post Ng
