Umahi Reads Riot Act to Contractors, Ministry Officials
Works Minister, Dave Umahi has accused some of the contractors of plotting to sabotage the new Federal Government’s Policy of using concrete, instead of asphalt to construct most of the federal roads.
He also accused some of his ministry’s top officials of working with the contractors against the policy, which according to him, has received the approval of President Tinubu.
The minister, addressing the State House correspondents, after a meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, vowed to flush out the officials who are allegedly conniving with contractors to oppose the policy.
According to the minister, federal government was not totally opposed to the use of asphalt, but the contractors must signed an agreement that the road would last for 15 years in the first instance.
He also explained that BUA cement and Dangote cement had agreed to a discount on cement that would be supplied to contractors for the construction of concrete roads.
In a new contract signed with the contractors, he said there was a new design of the project, while contract cost is expected to reflect the discount on the price of cement.
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Umahi also ordered all contractors handling federal road projects who had abandoned them, to return to site within 14 days in line with the new agreement signed with them, or have their contracts revoked.
The Minister was approached by youths of Eleme during his inspection for upgrading of four lanes to six lanes for Eleme junction to Onne junction road projects in Rivers State where he promised them that he would work with the youths to ensure that the road does not remain the same .
Earlier, the Eleme Local Government Area Chairman, Hon.Obarilomate Ollor who spoke on behalf of the youths said, “ I thank the Minister for coming to inspect this road on behalf of Mr President , this bad road has been responsible for the untimely death of so many people and more that ten thousands of vehicles ply this route daily , and from what you have said the youths will cooperate with you to deliver this project and we will not make unnecessary request”
Some of the projects inspected by the Minister in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states included, Aba- Port Harcourt road , Bodo Bonny road , Ogoni bridge , Reconstruction of Abak – Ekparakwa –Ette- Ikot Abasi road and the dualisation of the East West Road Section four at Eket By Pass.
