In a move to ensure the smooth completion of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway rehabilitation, Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of traders on the completed section in Aba.
Expressing disappointment during his project inspection, the minister emphasized the need for Nigerians to support government efforts and avoid hindering progress.
Umahi stated, “We wouldn’t like a situation where after the Federal Government had spent so much here, we see people building and trading on the road.”
He urged citizens to cooperate and avoid hindering the construction process, highlighting issues such as traffic violations, using the road as a parking lot, and improper waste disposal. While commending the contractor’s work, Umahi acknowledged challenges, including the high cost of construction materials. He emphasized the need for collective efforts, urging the governor to establish a task force to address the challenges on the road.
The project, covering about 57km from Abia Tower in Umuahia to the Railway Crossing at Alaoji, has faced delays due to rising construction material costs.
Umahi suggested exploring locally sourced materials, such as concrete, as an alternative. During his inspection, he expressed satisfaction with the NNPC Mega Filling Station’s progress and urged Setraco Nigeria Limited to address identified errors.
Notably, President Bola Tinubu’s approval of funds for critical projects, including Second Niger Bridge bypasses, Lagos-Ibadan highway, and Lafia bypass, was highlighted during the minister’s visit to the Lafia bypass road and the dualisation of the 9th Mile, Enugu-Otukpo-Makurdi Road Project.
