Umahi threatens revocation of project over slow pace of work

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed contractors handling projects in the South-South geopolitical zone to accelerate their work and complete ongoing projects by the end of the month or face contract revocation.

This directive was issued in a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, following Senator Umahi’s inspection of the dualization of the East-West Road, specifically the Ahoada-Kaiama section, and the construction of box culverts in flood-prone areas in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the Ahoada-Kaiama section but emphasized the need for faster progress through the deployment of additional resources.

He noted that the originally scheduled for completion in November 2024, had already been extended to December but remains incomplete.

“The provision of roads and bridges is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read, urging contractors to improve their performance. It also reiterated that the revised delivery deadline of April 2025 is non-negotiable.

Senator Umahi directed contractors to use concrete reinforcements in areas with challenging soil conditions caused by flooding, particularly where box culverts are under construction.

Responding to the minister’s concerns, Mr. Isaa Michel, project manager of one of the construction firms, expressed gratitude for the site visit and assured the minister that his team would intensify efforts to meet the set deadline.