The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has sanctioned the contractor handling the Summit Junction-to-Head Bridge section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway, ordering the immediate arrest of the contractor for allegedly failing to meet contractual obligations despite receiving payment….
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has sanctioned the contractor handling the Summit Junction-to-Head Bridge section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway, ordering the immediate arrest of the contractor for allegedly failing to meet contractual obligations despite receiving payment.
Mr Umahi spoke during an inspection of the ongoing 17.5-kilometre access road to the Second Niger Bridge, where he commended the Chinese firm handling the project and urged it to sustain the pace of work, assuring the contractor of government funding.
The Minister also expressed concern over the vandalisation of the old Niger Bridge, particularly the removal of bolts and nuts.
He said the Federal Government is already replacing the vandalised components, while the bridge will be resurfaced with asphalt.
Umahi explained that the rehabilitation work will be carried out at night to minimise disruption, with the bridge expected to close during the construction period.
He also announced plans to install CCTV cameras and solar-powered lights on the bridge to improve security and monitoring.
The Minister particularly criticised the contractor handling the Summit Junction-to-Head Bridge section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway for failing to deliver on the project despite receiving payment.
He ordered sanctions and called for the contractor’s immediate arrest.
Umahi also addressed the deteriorating sections of the Benin-Agbor road, accusing concessionaires of frustrating efforts by the Federal Government to rehabilitate failed portions.
He said the government is exploring options to fix the affected sections and restore smooth movement along the corridor.
At the old Niger Bridge, the Minister condemned the vandalisation of the structure, warning that the removal of critical components poses a serious threat to public safety.
He said the Ministry is already replacing the vandalised bolts and nuts and will also resurface the bridge.
The rehabilitation, he explained, will be undertaken at night, with the bridge temporarily shut during the exercise.
The planned installation of CCTV cameras and solar lights, he added, will strengthen surveillance and security on the bridge.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing critical road projects and ensuring contractors deliver according to their contractual obligations.
