Abuja: The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has directed Arab Contractors handling the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to complete the remaining 4.5 kilometers of the Abia section before the end of November. Umahi issued this directive after inspecting the project’s progress in Aba.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the section and warned that the contract would be revoked if the deadline was not met. “I am not happy with the progress of work on this 4.5-km out of the 112-km of the road,” he stated. He emphasized the need to complete the laterite, sharp sand, and concrete work by the given deadline.

Umahi assured the contractors of prompt payment, highlighting the financial reliability of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia for his commitment to the state’s development and support for the president’s infrastructure agenda.

Umahi also praised the contractors for their integrity and quality of work, directing the Federal Ministry of Work’s Controller in Abia to ensure strict supervision. He vowed to return to the site weekly to monitor progress.

In his remarks, Governor Otti affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting federal projects and promised full support for the timely completion of the Aba segment of the road. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and secured a commitment for the project’s commissioning by December.

The Zonal Manager of Arab Contractors, Mr. Mohammed Elian, revealed that only five percent of the work remained, with a commitment to completing it by December. He commended the Abia Government for the improved security situation and praised the minister’s efforts towards the project’s completion.

Mr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, the Controller for the Federal Ministry of Works in Abia, highlighted the advanced stage of completion for the Port Harcourt-bound lane and confirmed the full completion of the Enugu-bound lane. He expressed optimism about meeting the December inauguration date.