Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a directive for the termination of the contract held by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CECC), responsible for the rehabilitation of the Abia Section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway. The termination notice, slated for a 14-day period, comes in response to alleged non-performance by the contractor.
Umahi disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing work progress at Ozuaku, following the Imo bridge along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. Expressing dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance, Umahi emphasized the need for adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
The minister stated, “We will no longer tolerate the situation where contractors will put blank ranks on site and they will be escalating construction costs by delaying the completion of the project date.” He further highlighted plans within the Ministry of Works to terminate non-performing contracts in the coming weeks, followed by a re-award process.
Acknowledging the significance of delivering quality infrastructure to Nigerians, Umahi commended President Tinubu for allocating substantial funds for road projects amidst inheriting over 3,000 ongoing road projects. He underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s road infrastructure needs and urged support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and efficiency in infrastructure development projects. As efforts intensify to address underperforming contracts, stakeholders anticipate improved project delivery and enhanced road networks across the country.
