BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
L-R: Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi and, Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshomole at the flag-off of H7dualisation of Ajaokuta to Benin roads in Kogi and Edo States.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dualisation of Federal roads using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology that lasts between 50-100 years.
The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi stated this during the flag off of Ajaokuta junction-Okene-Okpella-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin dual expressway in Kogi and Edo States at Ekpoma recently
News Rider reports that sequel to the termination of contracts for the dualisation of Sections II, III, and IV of the Obajana Junction - Benin road due to non-performance and effluxion of time last year, the Federal government through the Ministry of Works reawarded the project to another contractor.
He noted that commuters and motorists have constantly experienced hardship on the failed portion of the road, as well as high traffic jam, hence the dire need to reaward the contract.
Umahi stated that the project has lingered for too long with attendant consequences on road users.
He pointed out that he has been visiting the road since his assumption of duty and had held several meetings with the former contractors but nothing changed.
Upon reporting back to Mr President, he ordered for immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the sufferings of roadusers, which led to the termination of three out of the four sections of the entire alignment.
Umahi said: "As an adjoining part of the East-West road, it is very dear to President Bola Tinubu.
"It is also a vital link to the FCT and other Northern States, including the South-East, South-West, and South-South geopolitical zones, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities."
He commended the governor and Edo residents for displaying team spirit on the project.
Umahi disclosed that the governor not only supervises state government works but extends his monitoring to Federal government projects.
He was excited with the governor’s humble disposition and for the large number of projects going on in the state within a spate of 100 days in office.
While appreciating Mr. President for his concern for the plight of roadusers, as well as those living along the corridor, the Minister pleaded for their patience while the construction of additional lanes and reconstruction of the existing alignment lasts.
He directed the contractors to expedite action on the project, as delays will not be tolerated.
The representative of Mr. President and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo praised Tinubu and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of Edo residents.
He informed that with the gesture, Mr President was visible in the state, promising his unalloyed support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
The Governor of Kogi State, who was represented by the Deputy Governor thanked Mr. President for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections.
Former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshomole hailed the magnanimity of President Tinubu and the untiring spirit of Umahi, while thanking God for witnessing the day.
The dualisation of Lokoja - Benin road is categorised into four sections. Three sections of the project fall under Edo state. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor - Benin is about 67.9km long.
Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is handled by Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd.
They were also awarded Section II, while Section III was given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nig.) Ltd. and Section IV to CBC (Nig.) Ltd.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed.
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