Despite N33bn Funding: Petroleum Product Retailers Lament Sluggish East West Road Construction

The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has decried the sluggish pace of construction of the Eleme-East West Road by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), despite receiving N33 billion for the project.

PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, in a press statement on Thursday, criticised the delays, calling for expedited action to complete the road.

He said: “The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, said RCC’s slow pace of work is sabotaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the smooth distribution of

petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery. Despite receiving N33 billion from the Federal Ministry of Works.”

The association said that about 60 retail outlets are negatively impacted by the road construction and requested adequate compensation for owners of those filling stations.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a previous press conference, has also complained about the slow approach of RCC, leading to the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum by the minister.

It noted thousands of petroleum trucks will be using the road to convey products from the newly inaugurated Port Harcourt refinery; hence, further delay is detrimental.

“The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount.

“The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.

“PETROAN is calling on President Tinubu to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline. This move would consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.

“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC.”