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The Federal Government has revealed the use of substandard materials by the project contractor in the construction of Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi had issued an immediate suspension of the reconstruction work. He made this revelation during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
After inspecting the site, the minister expressed concern over the slow pace of work despite the government's advance payment of N33 billion. He emphasized the necessity of resolving irregularities before continuing the project, stating that the current speed would not lead to completion within five years.
“The project must benefit the people. The rainy season is coming in two months, and the people will go ahead suffering," said Umahi, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issues.
He revealed that the quality of sand used by the contractor did not meet the specified standard of river sharp sand. Expressing dissatisfaction, he demonstrated the sand's poor quality by squeezing it and observing its disintegration when mixed with water.
Umahi directed that the contractor be notified to remove the substandard sand. Despite the contractor continuing work at a sluggish pace, Umahi emphasized that they would not permit a prolonged timeline for completion.
It is noteworthy that the federal government awarded the N33 billion to a giant construction company, RCC for the road reconstruction.
A scheduled meeting with the contractor aims to address the anomalies, thoroughly examine the errors, and establish a new timeline to ensure the project's successful and timely completion.
