Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has issued a strict ultimatum to contractors working on road projects in Abuja and Port Harcourt. During an inspection of ongoing projects in Rivers State and its surroundings, Umahi directed the contractors to complete their remedial works within two weeks.
Umahi emphasized that he would only sign certificates of payment for road projects that are entirely passable for motorists throughout their length and breadth. He stated, “I have directed that any project that motor users cannot go through the entire length and breadth of the project awarded to a contractor, I will not sign the certificate; contractors must maintain all the roads within their contract.”
Furthermore, Umahi announced that the Federal Government would no longer accept road contract certificates for payment generated by a single individual. He stressed that both the contractor and resident engineer must sign the certificate, and it should be prepared with detailed calculations, geotechnical reports, sketches, and valuation. The Minister emphasized that he would only sign certificates when he is confident about the authenticity of the documentation.
FG Contractors Blasts Umahi, Says He Is The Wrong Man For the Job
Umahi also addressed the issue of road failures, stating that overloading is not the sole reason for road failures. He pointed out that many contractors have multiple projects in numerous locations with limited equipment, making it challenging for them to meet project demands.
Additionally, the Minister mandated that any contractor without a Certified Engineer from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) should not be allowed to work. He warned that consultants or civil servants who fail to meet the required standards will have their certificates revoked.
Umahi expressed President Bola Tinubu’s determination to alleviate the hardships faced by road users in Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role that roads play in various aspects of the country’s development, including commerce, solid minerals, healthcare, education, agriculture, and food security.
During his inspection, Umahi was approached by youths from Eleme, who requested an upgrade of the four-lane road to six lanes for the Eleme junction to Onne junction road projects in Rivers State. The Minister assured them of his commitment to improving the road and working collaboratively with the youth to ensure its successful completion.
Projects inspected by the Minister in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states included the Aba-Port Harcourt road, Bodo Bonny road, Ogoni bridge, the reconstruction of Abak-Ekparakwa-Ette-Ikot Abasi road, and the dualisation of the East West Road Section four at Eket By Pass.
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