Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on key federal road projects in the South-East and South-South regions, particularly the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road.
During an inspection tour of ongoing road projects last weekend, the minister lamented the sluggish progress on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, calling it “less than encouraging.” He warned contractors to step up their performance or risk facing sanctions.
“I urge the contractors to rise to their responsibilities. Timely completion is crucial, and I expect all contractors to work diligently towards achieving this goal,” Umahi stated.
The minister also visited project sites in Delta State, where he criticized the handling of the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). He specifically cited the Efurun-Sapele section as a point of concern, stressing that delays in project delivery would not be tolerated.
“I am particularly not impressed with the work done by CCECC on the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road,” he said. “Contractors must intensify their efforts to meet deadlines.”
Despite the challenges, Umahi commended the Delta State Government for its partnership with the federal government, especially in addressing compensation issues that have delayed work in some areas.
“The proactive approach of the Delta State Government in taking over the payment of compensation to affected individuals has been instrumental in fast-tracking these projects. I assure the state government that the Federal Ministry of Works will honor its commitments,” Umahi affirmed.
In Enugu State, the former Ebonyi governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Eke-Obinagu Flyover and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the site.
The inspection tour is part of the ministry’s broader push to ensure that federal infrastructure projects across the country are executed promptly and to standard.
