By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government yesterday restated its resolve to terminate contracts for road projects not delivered on scheduled dates.
The warning followed an observation by Works Minister Dave Umahi of slow work pace on major projects in the Southsouth and Southeast by contractors.
Some of the projects inspected by the minister are Section III (Umuahia-Aba) of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway being handled by Arab Contractors Nig. Ltd., alignment of Section IV of the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway by CCECC and Bodo-Bonny Road by JBN.
Section III (Eleme Junction-Onne Junction) of the East-West Road by RCC, the multiple box culverts on the East-West Road by Rock Result Nig. Ltd, and Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) by Setraco Nig. Ltd. were also inspected by Umahi.
The minister used the opportunity of the projects’ inspection to address concerns about the government’s abandonment of four legacy roads. He clarified that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration had resolved to inaugurate some road projects between next month and May.
Umahi, according to the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, directed Federal Controllers of Works to submit lists of completed roads for inauguration.
At Section IV of the Aba-Port Harcourt Highway, Umahi expressed displeasure with CCECC over the slow pace of work.
He instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to issue a warning to the contractor, saying that the contract would be terminated if no improvements in the tempo of work were noticed.
Umahi also expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of work on the Bodo-Bonny Road and told the contractor to deploy more personnel, materials, and equipment to meet the delivery period.
The project is a vital part of the South-South zone’s infrastructure development, featuring a two-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 metres, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.
At Section III of the East-West Road, the minister reminded the contractor of the April 2025 delivery date.
He advised RCC to allocate more resources to accelerate the pace of work or risk re-scoping and re-award the contract.
Inspecting the multiple box culverts on the same road, Umahi criticised the slow progress of work.
Although the minister commended the contractor for the high standard of the job so far, he warned that failure to meet the end of the January delivery period would result in revocation.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on Section II-II of Ahoada-Kaiama Road and enjoined the contractor to expedite work by deploying additional resources.
He emphasised the April 2025 delivery date as non-negotiable and instructed the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for the 2.3-kilometre flood-affected area where box culverts are being constructed.
At Section III of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, where the inspection began, the minister advised the contractor to speed up the construction.
According to the statement by Ahmed, Umahi vowed that the ministry would continue to closely monitor all ongoing projects to ensure that they aligned with President Tinubu’s vision for accelerated national growth and development.
The statement reads partly: “The ministry will not tolerate delays.
“Any contractor who does not meet his contractual obligations will face consequences, cumulating into a 14-day notice of termination of contract.
“Despite the challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects as well as the four legacy projects he initiated.
“The president has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors, who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course.
“The expectation is that every Controller delivers on his mandates, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays.”
While calling for improved teamwork from all stakeholders in the management and delivery of road and bridge projects, Umahi said: “We all need to work together – government, contractors, and the general public towards ensuring that deadlines are met.
“No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects.”
PETROAN flays work pace on East-West Road
The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has frowned at the slow pace of work on the Eleme section of the East-West Road.
It accused the contractor of ‘’sabotaging President Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the smooth distribution of
petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery.’’
PETROAN, said in a statement by National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joseph Obele that it could not understand why the contractor has not delivered the section of the road after ‘’receiving N33 billion from the Federal Ministry of Works.”
Lamenting that the delay in completing the project had negatively impacted on about 60 retail outlets, the association requested adequate compensation for owners of the stations.
The statement reads in part: “The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount.”
“The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.
“PETROAN is calling on President Tinubu to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline. This move would consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.
“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC.”
The Nation