FG Orders Contractors Back To East-West Road

Federal government has lifted the suspension earlier imposed on the construction of East-West Road in Rivers State after a meeting with the management of the contracting firm, Messrs Renolds Construction Company (RCC) Ltd, at his office, Abuja yesterday.

The minister of works, Engr David Umahi, and his team, comprising the permanent secretary and key directors of the ministry, met with the management of the firm where the contractor was ordered back to site.

In a statement by the special adviser, media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi directed RCC Ltd to immediately resume work on the 15km Eleme to Onne Junction on the East-West Road in Rivers State.

Umahi had suspended work on the road during his unscheduled inspection visit to the project site on 27th January,2024, due to observed infractions on the construction specifications.

The statement said current the directive is in accordance with the resolutions reached at a meeting with the permanent secretary and key directors  of the ministry  together  with the management of  RCC Ltd on 29th January,2024.

The statement stated the minister 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 the resolution of technical issues.

“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  bordering  on alleged  infringement  on the contractors’  right  of way which,  according  to them, slows down the project,” he added.