Umahi Warns Contractors on Abuja-Lokoja Road Quality

Minister of Works, David Umahi has registered his displeasure at the quality of work done on the Abuja-Lokoja road.

He made this known during a meeting with contractors in Abuja on Wednesday. 

Umahi said, “I have inspected about eight projects on Abuja-Lokoja roads and was disappointed with what I saw. How can you collect money to do something and you didn’t do it right? Do people fear God at all? We must do work for the people instead of ours.”

The former Ebonyi governor also said, “This last time there was a flood overflow here, they stayed over one week. You know, from my assessment, supposing there is an emergency medical emergency, food supply, petroleum supply, and I think it was causing a food shortage in Abuja.”

Moreso, Umahi said, “So we should have been able to design this and then use a ramp to raise it in the first place. Believing that tomorrow we will do it. And so, the contractor will not work on this section of the road apart from the bridge that way.”

Addressing the report from a public petition over some abandoned roads, Umahi stressed that any contractor who left any site in any part of the country would have its job certificate seized.

Umahi threatens to revoke contracts where necessary

The Works Minister who inspected the Gada Biu Bridge along the Abuja-Lokoja Road complained that the retaining walls, among others, were faulty and failing. He further ordered the contractor to stop work to allow for evaluation and review to determine whether he would continue or be relieved of the contract.

He said, “It will not be business whereby contractors would get contracts and delay or fail to deliver. If any contractor is found wanting in any projects, other contracts awarded to him will be revoked and given to competent ones.” 

Umahi further stated that he had come to the ministry to work and explore all technological options that would make Nigerians have and enjoy new roads.