Minister of Works, Senator (Engr) David Umahi has expressed displeasure with how the tolling system of the Abuja-Keffi Markurdi Expressway is being operated, lamenting of subjecting motorists to undue hardship.
This follows the commencement of e-collection of tolls on the completed Keffi–Akwanga alignment of the Abuja– Keffi–Lafia–Makurdi Dualisation Project, which has elicited outcries from commuters plying the route.
The Minister who on outcries from commuters paid a visit to the Toll Plaza in Nasarawa State on Friday directed the concessionaire, Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) to immediately increase the number of collection points, deploy more Point-of- Sale (POS) devices, and as well as relief stations for public pleasure and convenience.
He said, “The current operation is inadequate, and we are giving the Concessionaire until Monday to make the necessary improvements. If by then this bottleneck is not resolved, I will release the traffic and replace them”.
Emphasizing the importance of relief stations where vehicles can park and access essential amenities, the Minister cautioned the operators that failure to comply with this requirement would result in the loss of their business.
He added, “We will not tolerate anyone exploiting the plight of Nigerians,” and emphasized. “If you wish to operate in this sector, you must meet the required standards”.
He berated the company, Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), for achieving a meagre 8.7% of the project despite receiving mobilization funds, also surpassing 46% of the agreed timeline.
“The people are suffering, and the President is deeply concerned. Contractors cannot continue to mismanage Nigeria’s resources while failing to deliver as agreed. If there is no significant improvement within 14 days, we will take over the job.” the Minister declared.
He further directed that mobilization funds already disbursed would not be subject to any review reiterating that contractors must be held accountable for delays resulting in cost escalations.
Umahi also mandated the immediate reconstruction of all failed sections of the completed alignment Kebbi-Akwanga -Lafia-Makurdi), saying that substandard work would not be tolerated by the present administration.
Reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to delivering high- quality road infrastructure to Nigerians, he assured the public that necessary corrective measures would be implemented.
“The President has granted the Ministry full authority to terminate any contract where political interests take precedence over performance,” the Minister warned.
“China Harbour Engineering Company, in particular, has been issued an ultimatum to complete one full carriageway by April or face termination of the contract,” he further stated.