FG Suspends Eleme-Onne East-West Road Construction Over Substandard Materials

Published

10 months ago

Jan 28, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports the Federal Government has issued an immediate suspension of reconstruction work at the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this decision due to concerns about the use of substandard materials by the contractor handling the project.

Umahi, speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday, emphasized the necessity of the suspension, pointing out that the contractor was utilizing materials below the required standard.

Despite the government’s advance payment of N33 billion, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work.

“The project must benefit the people. The rainy season is coming in two months and the people will go ahead suffering.”

Highlighting the irregularities observed during his inspection, Umahi raised concerns about the quality of the sand used in the construction.

He stated, “I saw that the sand they are using is not river sharp. What we paid for is river sharp sand.”

Expressing disappointment, he continued, “I directed that the company should be written and they should ensure that they remove the sand.”

Umahi was particularly alarmed by the slow progress of the construction, asserting that at the current pace, the project would not be completed for another five years. He noted, “The contractor is carrying out the job, but at snail speed. If we allow him even another five years he will not finish. So we are not going to allow him.”

A scheduled meeting with the contractor aims to address the identified anomalies, examine the errors, and establish a new timeline for the completion of the project.