The federal government has issued a strong warning to contractors working on the dualization of the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road, expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress. Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized that the project must align with the administration’s policies on speed, quality, and road user comfort, urging contractors to step up their efforts.
During a meeting in Abuja with MTN Nigeria, Enugu State Government representatives, and the two contractors—Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Ltd and Nigercat Ltd—Umahi criticized the contractors for their lack of commitment. He noted that the delays were not due to funding but poor execution, citing the inconvenience caused to road users as unacceptable.
Umahi highlighted a recent inspection where severe traffic congestion was observed, particularly at the Abakpa section, where RCC Ltd’s work had forced traffic onto a poorly maintained single carriageway. He called for MTN to reconsider its choice of contractors if the current ones continue to underperform, stressing that road projects should not add undue hardship to Nigerians.
The minister also reiterated the government’s stance against phased handovers and the discontinuation of Variation of Price (VOP) in contracts. He warned contractors that they must maintain the roads they are working on until the project is fully completed and handed over, regardless of how long it takes.
