Umahi Slams CCECC Over Poor Work On Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Issues 14-Day Notice

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has criticised the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for substandard work on the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, particularly the Aba-bound section.

Umahi’s remarks were contained in a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Mr. Orji Uchenna Orji.

During an inspection of federal road projects in the South-East and South-South on Sunday, Umahi said CCECC failed to comply with new construction standards introduced by the ministry. He decried the current state of the 43km Aba–Port Harcourt stretch, saying it was already showing signs of total failure.

According to him, the ministry will issue a 14-day notice of contract termination to CCECC for poor performance despite previous warnings.

“If you get to the Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years ago, the entire road has almost totally failed. We have been writing them to maintain this road, but they have refused. So, I have to take responsibility and act,” he said.

Umahi further directed that the Port Harcourt-bound section be removed from CCECC’s contract and re-awarded to a competent indigenous contractor.

He stressed that laying a binder course without the final wearing course was unacceptable and compromises road durability.

Arab Contractors Commended for Quality Work

In contrast, the minister commended Arab Contractors for the quality and progress of work on Section II of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway (Umuahia Tower–Aba Rail/Road Crossing), which has reached about 85% completion.

“They are among our best five contractors. We even want them to maintain the completed Aba–Umuahia section because they have done a good job,” Umahi stated.

He also praised the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State for effective supervision and directed weekly inspection of all federal road projects in the state.

Ongoing Projects Receive Renewed Attention

Umahi noted that many of the road projects across the country were inherited in poor condition but are now receiving special attention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“All the roads became a priority because of the terrible condition of the ones the President inherited. The President is doing his best, and we are working hard to support him. Roads and bridges are the backbone of the economy, and we are determined to make them better,” he said.

The minister thanked President Tinubu for his continued support in improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

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