The Federal Government has made a move by introducing more formidable measure of construction to end pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the East West Road of South South Nigeria.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi made the revelation during his visit to the project sites at East West Road section II: Kaiama- Ahoada in Rivers/ Bayelsa States on Monday.
Also, the construction of Multiple Box Culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualization of East West Road handled by Messrs Rock Results Nigeria Ltd and the dualization of East West Road, Section II (sub section II) handled by SETRACO Ltd.
While speaking after the inspection of work progress, the Minister said that Federal Govt redesigned the inherited ongoing project, using reinforced concrete technology to end the perennial pavement failures and years of road neglect across the wetland Niger Delta.
He added that some sections of the East- West Road starting from from Lokoja to Benin were also rescopped and redesigned in reinforced concrete, and that the height of the road was increased above the flood level.
The Minister said further that the redesign factored the peculiar environment, geomorphology and soil characteristics which were responsible for the failures of flexible pavement used over the years by successive administrations.
“And are proving themselves to be of a very high reputation in terms of their works. We’re encouraging many more local contractors to come and work, because there’s so much to work”, the Minister said.
Umahi observed that the impact of climate change was largely responsible for the flood that came over the two sections of the road but commended the contractors handling the relief culverts for their deep commitment to the intervention work despite having not been paid.
The Minister stated, “And so our directive is that the contractor shouldn’t open more relief culverts. Let’s contain the floods by working with NDDC. And I commend the MD of NDDC for the fantastic work they are doing.”
While seeking for patience on the side of the road users, the Minister assured that the permanent solution was underway as the project was being procured to raise the road above flood level while reinforced concrete of 12 inches would be used to do the overlay.
Umahi who also visited the KM 15 Section 3A of the East-West road (from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) handled by Messrs RCC Nigeria Ltd, commended the quality of work being done.
He urged the contractor to re-mobilize at least in 6 sections of the project to ensure timely project delivery or be prepared to relinquish the other carriageway for award to another contractor.
Umahi stated, “It is Presidential order that this road should be given the maximum attention, and that’s why he asked me to come and look at it, and then give him a report. So we’re looking at December for project delivery, but certainly not at the pace that RCC is going.”
Reacting to the statement credited to a Clergy, Buba Isa on the state of some federal roads, the Minister reiterated commitment of the Renewed Hope administration in fixing all the inherited ongoing projects, backlogs of road infrastructure deficits nationwide orchestrated by many years of neglect.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for glaring deference in road infrastructure under his administration which road users are attesting to, he called for patience and understanding as enduring solution to road failures had been reinvented and very soon Nigerians would enjoy sustainable infrastructure delivery.