The Federal Government has implemented reinforced concrete technology to address pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the East-West Road in South-South Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Works announced that this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to provide all regions with the environment needed to achieve their full economic potential and foster a sense of self-actualization among Nigerians.
The statement quoted the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze Umahi, during his visit to the project sites on the East-West Road Section II: Kaiama-Ahoada in Rivers/Bayelsa States. This includes the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations and the dualization of East-West Road Section II (Subsection II).
After inspecting the progress, the minister explained that the federal government redesigned the ongoing project using reinforced concrete technology to end the chronic pavement failures and years of road neglect in the wetland Niger Delta. He added that sections of the East-West Road, from Lokoja to Benin, were also rescoped and redesigned with reinforced concrete, raising the road above flood levels and considering the unique environment, geomorphology, and soil characteristics that had caused previous flexible pavement failures.
Regarding the Kaiama-Ahoada section, he said, “When we took office, the job had already been awarded by the previous administration. The new elements introduced under President Tinubu include the relief culverts, which are being handled by two reputable local contractors. We encourage more local contractors to participate, as there is a lot of work to be done.”
He noted that climate change significantly contributed to the flooding over the two sections of the road and commended the contractors for their dedication to the relief culverts project, despite not being paid yet. He added, “Our directive is that no more relief culverts should be opened. We must manage the floods by working with the NDDC. I commend the NDDC MD for their excellent work.”
The minister urged patience from road users, assuring them that a permanent solution is underway, with the project designed to raise the road above flood levels and reinforced concrete of 12 inches to be used for the overlay.
During his visit to KM 15 Section 3A of the East-West Road (from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction), he urged the contractor to mobilize at least six sections of the project to ensure timely delivery, or risk having the other carriageway reassigned to another contractor. He stated, “It is a presidential order that this road receives maximum attention, and that’s why I am here to report back. We aim for a December completion, but not at the current pace of RCC.”
Addressing a statement by a clergy, Buba Isa, on the state of some federal roads, the minister reaffirmed the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to completing all inherited projects and addressing the nationwide backlog of road infrastructure deficits caused by years of neglect. He called for patience and understanding while praising President Tinubu for the significant improvements in road infrastructure under his administration.