The Federal Government has reversed its directive suspending the ongoing reconstruction work at the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

It also directed the affected contractor, Renolds Construction Company, to immediately resume work on all sections of the project and in strict compliance with the contract specifications.

Earlier on Sunday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an unscheduled visit to the project site expressed sadness over the slow pace of work even after the government had made an advance payment of N33bn.

Umahi said the order became imperative following the use of sub-standard materials by the contractor handling the project.


But the new directive contained in a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna, on Monday, said the minister has rescinded its decision following a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and key Directors of the Ministry at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.


The statement read, “The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed Mrss Renolds Construction Company RCC, Nigeria Limited to immediately resume work on the 15 km Eleme to Onne Junction on the East-West Road, Rivers State which he suspended during his unscheduled inspection visit to the project site on 27th January 2024, due to observed infractions on the [b]construction specifications.

“This directive is in accordance with the resolutions reached in a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and key Directors of the Ministry together with the management of RCC Ltd at his office at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi- Abuja, this 29th January 2024. The Honourable Minister had ordered the suspension of work on the project due to substandard jobs and invited the management of the company to report to the Ministry for resolution of technical issues.[/b]


“The minister further directs the contractors handling the project to resume work on the four sections of the project and in strict compliance with the contract specifications. They are also required to liaise with the Permanent Secretary and the Director in charge of construction to engage with the representatives of the host communities on issues bothering alleged infringement on the contractors’ right of way which, according to them slows down the project.

“The Minister of Works is determined to see to the speedy and quality delivery of Federal Government’s jobs across the nation in line with the vision of the current administration and he is unbending in his resolve not to accept the delivery of jobs that fall short of standard.”

ayodaisi:
Honourable minister is confused on decision making .
If they are constructing the road with sub-standard materials. Replace them ASAP

jaxin119:
Construction is super slow. Contracting parties should leverage on this dry weather to fast-track the project to avoid extension and price variations due to the current inflation rate.

theamazonguru:


Honestly I was disappointed to say the least when I passed through the road some time ago.

Yes we can see their presence on the site but their work pace is slower than that of tortoise.
Going at that pace, it will take them almost 10 years to finish that road.
The minister is being conservative when he said 5 months.

Na this kind thing dey make me appreciate Julius Berger. If it was JB, we for know say contractor dey site dey deliver.

This one's are just there dey mumu themselves.

I tire abeg.

Paraman:
I wander why the minister cant take the project from them and give it to another contractor

ayodaisi:
Honourable minister is confused on decision making .
If they are constructing the road with sub-standard materials. Replace them ASAP

TOPMAN4LIFE:
I don't even understand this minister again, he is just stopping all the roads,
Bonny to Bodo road that should be almost completed by now has been stopped which makes going out of bonny remain difficult and stressful.