FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELEASES 33 BILLION NAIRA FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ELEME ONNE AXIS OF EAST WEST ROAD
Minister of Works, Senator Umahi on white shirt in the middle
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi says Federal Government has released thirty three billion naira for the construction of Eleme -Onne axis of East West Road.
Senator Umahi who made this known while on inspection of projects in Rivers State said Federal Government would partner Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Rivers and Abia State Government to construct Port Harcourt-Aba Express Way.
The deplorable state of Eleme Onne axis of East West Road has generated a lot of concerns.
This is due to the fact that many Federal government outfits are situated there, such as Port Harcourt Refinery, Oil and Gas Free Zone, Federal Ocean Terminal Onne port, Nigeria Naval College among others.
Besides, it also the connection route for Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States.
Addressing journalists during the inspection, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi who lamented the bad state of the road said that Federal Government has released funds for the construction of the road to commence immediately.
The Minister who insisted on the use of concrete for the construction, acknowledged that a delegation from the state led by Governor Siminalay Fubara and former Governor, Nyesom Wike met President Bola Tinubu over Onne Road.
At Port Harcourt Aba Express Way, Senator Umahi who ordered the contractor back to site Directed them to change the method that has been adopted previously to what is more durable.
He expressed anger over shoddy deals between civil servants and contractors and threatened to stop any contractor using uncertified engineers.
Meanwhile, the South- East -South South General Manager of the Construction company, Mr. Eric Shen told the minister that the work at eight lane Oil Mill to Oyibo axis of the road has been done, but they could not continue to Aba due to paucity of funds.
The construction of Port Harcourt Aba Express Way which has remained unmotorable is expected to increase commerce within the area.
The Minister also inspected the multi billion naira Bonny Bodo Road meant to boost oil and gas activities.
