Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed concerns over the sluggish pace of critical road projects in the South-East and South-South regions, despite the release of N21 billion in funding for Aba-Port Harcourt axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
During an inspection of various ongoing projects, Umahi warned contractors that the failure to utilize these funds effectively would lead to severe consequences, including contract termination.
The Minister highlighted that Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, responsible for Section IV of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, had only accessed N7 billion out of the N21 billion allocated for the project in 2024.
“You’ve been given N21 billion, but the progress is disappointing. Only N7 billion has been accessed, and work is moving too slowly. If this does not improve, we will terminate the contract,” Umahi declared, instructing the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a formal warning to the contractor.
The Minister’s inspection, which also covered the East-West Road and Bodo-Bonny Road projects, focused on the need for contractors to optimize the use of available funds to ensure timely project completion.
Umahi directed Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, RCC, handling the East-West Road Section III (Eleme axis), to ramp up work, stressing that the funding should be utilized without delay to meet the April 2025 deadline.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, but underscored the need for contractors to be more accountable in deploying the funds provided.
“The money has been allocated, and it’s critical that contractors use it effectively to avoid delays and ensure timely completion of these vital projects,” he said.
Regarding the Bodo-Bonny Road project, which is essential for improving infrastructure in the South-South zone, Umahi urged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to deploy additional resources despite having worked through the holiday period.
“The funds are there, and the expectation is that contractors make full use of them to accelerate progress,” Umahi emphasized.
To ensure accountability, the Minister set a clear target for Federal Controllers of Works to deliver at least four completed projects between February and May 2025.
He also warned contractors that failure to meet deadlines would result in a 14-day notice of termination.
“We will not tolerate delays. Contractors must be held accountable for the funds they receive,” Umahi concluded, reaffirming that the Ministry will closely monitor project funding and progress to ensure the completion of the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda.
