*Demands Immediate Review of Construction Work
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, expressed serious dissatisfaction with the state of the East-West Road in Rivers State, describing it as a failed project.
Umahi, during his inspection of a portion of the road, ordered an immediate halt to construction work and announced that the entire project would undergo a thorough review.
The Minister’s concerns about the poor quality of the project led him to summon the contractor responsible for the road to Abuja for an explanation of the failures observed.
Umahi emphasized that the road had deteriorated to an unacceptable level, rendering it unusable.
He criticized the ongoing construction work, asserting that it was unacceptable for roads to fail so quickly after construction.
He expressed concern that Nigeria was not receiving value for money on infrastructure projects, especially considering the significant investment made in the East-West Road.
Umahi revealed that the project’s cost had escalated from N44 billion to N144 billion without a corresponding improvement in its quality. He insisted that proper construction standards must be adhered to, and called for a meeting with the project manager to address the issues and ensure Nigerians received the quality infrastructure they deserved.
The Minister’s firm stance on the matter highlighted the need for accountability and quality assurance in infrastructure projects, emphasizing that Nigerians should demand better construction standards and value for the funds invested in such projects.
