The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has temporarily stopped some road construction projects in the southeast, pending a review of both existing and additional contracts.
The directive was issued during his inspection of ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across states in the South-East, conducted on Wednesday.
During his inspection in Enugu, the minister expressed concern about the cost of certain projects, particularly four bridges and three kilometers of additional work, which were estimated at N15 billion.
Umahi directed directors within the ministry to engage with the contractors and review these contracts, stating his belief that the projects should not exceed a cost range of three to four billion naira.
He explained, “When a project is too expensive, and the budgeting process is very low, then contractors will remain on site for 10 to 15 years.”
Some of the roads inspected included those handled by Arab Contractors and involved the Ozalla-Akpugo-Amangunze-Isu Onicha (Enugu-Onitsha) route and the rehabilitation of the Old Enugu-Onitsha road.
The minister commended the quality of work on certain roads in Enugu but disclosed that he had temporarily halted payments to RCC and Arab Contractors until contract costs and construction methods were reviewed.
Due to funding limitations, he directed that spot works should be scheduled for the second phase to allow contractors to complete carriage ways first.
Additionally, Umahi instructed the contractor responsible for the Mmaku road to return to the site within seven days to cover the binder course.
He also directed that the right-hand side of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway should be constructed with concrete to enhance durability.
Umahi emphasized that roads in Nigeria often deteriorate due to the use of poor-quality asphalt, typically resulting from adulterated bitumen imports.
Therefore, he underscored the ongoing effort to promote the use of concrete for longer-lasting roads in the Southeast.