David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has announced that the Federal Government intends to implement more stringent measures to safeguard federal infrastructure throughout the nation, which will include contracts for private sector patrols.
Umahi made this statement during a visit to the Aba-Port Harcourt road, which he highlighted as a vital economic link between Abia and Rivers states. He indicated that the stretch of road heading to Aba, which is being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is about 90% complete and is projected to be ready for use by April.
He criticized issues like roadside trading, hazardous chemical spills, and the removal of manhole covers and expansion joints along federal highways. He also warned transport unions and petroleum tanker drivers against parking on newly paved roads, emphasizing that such static loads could harm pavement structures designed to handle moving traffic.
Umahi explained that the project previously faced delays due to financial constraints but has recently gained traction thanks to the current administration's intervention. He promised that outstanding payments totaling billions of naira would be resolved shortly to maintain the project's momentum.
Furthermore, the minister reaffirmed that contractors are responsible for any defects for a period of 12 months after project completion, ensuring that any defective sections would be repaired at their own expense. He expressed confidence in the workmanship and set April as the completion date for the Aba-bound lane in anticipation of a commissioning ceremony in May.
The section of the road leading to Port Harcourt has been awarded to JRB Construction Company Limited, which the minister described as a competent local contractor. Unlike the asphalt utilized on the Aba-bound lane, the Port Harcourt section is being constructed using reinforced concrete for enhanced durability.
In addition, Umahi also examined the Eleme-Onne segment of the East-West Road in Rivers State, noting that one lane of the 15-kilometre dualisation project, managed by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), is finished while the other is approximately 80% complete.
This project involves five flyovers and uses reinforced concrete pavement to combat the area’s high water table, which has led to frequent asphalt failures. An additional one-kilometre stretch that had failed is being integrated to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
The minister stated that segments of the completed federal roads will feature solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, speed monitoring systems, and security patrol vehicles to bolster infrastructure security.
He confirmed that the installation of solar-powered systems is set to begin soon, with plans for a wider rollout of intelligent traffic systems before September, in line with the government's initiative to transform key highways into secure, technologically monitored routes.
Umahi acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing funding disbursements, revealing that over half of the certified payments for certain projects have already been allocated.
The Federal Comptroller of Works in Rivers State, Tarilade Enwerama, noted that work on bridges, drainage, and road construction is progressing concurrently, expressing hope that the entire route will be ready for public use by April.
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