Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura has disclosed that the Federal Government released about N7billion to contractors to facilitate the East-West road project.
The minister who made this disclosure at the inspection of the road project, urged the contractors to comply to the directives of the federal government to complete and hand over the project before the end of the First Quarter 2022.
Alasoadura inspected the road from Section II Sub Section II (Ahoada – Kaima) to Section II Sub Section I (Eleme Junction – Ahoada) and Section IIIA (Eleme Junction – Onne Port Junction) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
At Ahoada – Kaima Section II Sub Section II, he observed that due to the bad terrain, huge volume of earthwork is ongoing to stabilize the soil to accommodate suitable materials for road construction while Sub-section l is near completion. He projected that Ahoada-Kaima Section II is expected to be commissioned soon.
At Obikwere flyover, the site contractor informed the minister of the failed drainage system which has caused constant water retention around the corridor, adding that the proposal to correct the anomaly would be sent to the Ministry for approval.
While inspecting Section IIIA, Alasoadura said the contract was awarded to ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic along the already dualized 15KM stretch of the Highway from the Onne Port Refinery, Eleme Petrochemicals and other industries along the highway by eliminating traffic bottlenecks and ensuring well drained and durable road.
Sen. Alasoadura added that the completion of the East-West road which was awarded 20 years ago, is a major priority of the present administration, even if it involves borrowing.
The minister further decried the devastated state of the Aleto Bridge in Section IIIA of the East-West road and sought for urgent attention before it collapses, if not it would affect the nation’s economy.
“We have to put all our resources, energy and goodwill together to ensure that it is urgently reconstructed for the movement of goods and services that will benefit the people of region and the nation at large”, he added.
Responding to the minister, the Chief Engineer, Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited (RCC), Zavontenik Igor, recalled that the contract was awarded in December 2014, at the contract sum of N43,869,381,730.23, with a completion period of 24 months.
Speaking further, he maintained that fund constraints and increase in the overhead cost of materials has caused the slow pace of work, assuring that the project will be completed within the stipulated time if the company is mobilized on time with the required capital.
Also, President-General of the Ogoni Youths Federation (OYF), Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, appealed to the Minister to order the contractors to speedily commence payment of compensation to affected families during the cause of expansion and dualization of the East-West road for peace to reign.
