Nigerian Govt Commits to Fixing Pavement Failures on East-West Road – Umahi

The federal government has introduced more robust construction measures to address pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the East-West Road in South-South Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this during his visit to the project sites at East-West Road section II Kaiama-Ahoada in Rivers/Bayelsa States.

The construction projects, including 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 (subsection II) handled by SETRACO Nigeria Ltd, were revisited on July 22, 2024.

Speaking after inspecting the progress, Umahi said the federal government redesigned the inherited project using reinforced concrete technology to end the recurring pavement failures and neglect across the Niger Delta wetlands.

He noted that some sections of the East-West Road, from Lokoja to Benin, were also rescoped and redesigned with reinforced concrete. The road height was increased above flood levels, considering the unique environment, geomorphology, and soil characteristics responsible for the failures of previous flexible pavements used by successive administrations.

This information was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uchenna Orji.

Regarding the Kaiama-Ahoada section, Umahi stated, “When we came on board, the job was already awarded by the past administration. The only new aspect under President Tinubu is the relief culverts being installed by local contractors, who have demonstrated high-quality work. We are encouraging more local contractors to participate as there is a lot of work to be done.”

He acknowledged that climate change significantly contributed to the flooding over the two sections of the road and commended the contractors for their commitment to the intervention work despite not being paid.

“Our directive is for the contractor not to open more relief culverts. We must contain the floods by working with NDDC. I commend the MD of NDDC for the fantastic work they are doing.”

Umahi also thanked Rock Results for their emergency works, although outside the project’s original scope, and praised the 29 Battalion and other paramilitary outfits for managing traffic, which will continue for the next two to four weeks. He assured road users that a permanent solution was underway, with the project aiming to raise the road above flood levels and use a 12-inch reinforced concrete overlay.

During his visit to the KM 15 Section 3A of the East-West road (from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) handled by Messrs RCC Nigeria Ltd, Umahi commended the quality of work but urged the contractor to re-mobilize at least in six sections of the project to ensure timely delivery or be prepared to relinquish the other carriageway for award to another contractor.

“It is a Presidential order that this road should receive maximum attention, which is why I was asked to review it and report back.”

Umahi indicated that the project delivery target is December, but not at the current pace of RCC.

Responding to a statement by a clergy member, Buba Isa, on the state of some federal roads, Umahi reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration to fixing all inherited ongoing projects and addressing the backlog of road infrastructure deficits nationwide due to years of neglect.

He commended President Tinubu for the noticeable improvements in road infrastructure under his administration and called for patience and understanding as enduring solutions to road failures are being implemented, promising that Nigerians would soon enjoy sustainable infrastructure delivery.