The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies have increased the cost of road projects inherited by the Bola Tinubu administration from N13 trillion to about N20 trillion. Despite the necessary reforms, Umahi assured the Southeast of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving road infrastructure.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Anambra and Enugu caucus of the 10th National Assembly, Umahi expressed sympathy for the lives lost on the uncompleted sections of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, particularly the recent tanker explosion on the Ugwu-Onyema axis.
Umahi’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, noted that the Federal Ministry of Works would demand MTN to commit to paying contractors a minimum of N15 billion monthly for the next 10 months to fast-track the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. If MTN fails to comply, the ministry will initiate the termination process of the project.
The ministry also resolved that three contractors should complete the 79 kilometers within the original contract sum of N202 billion, while the remaining 72 kilometers will be awarded to other contractors through due process. The delay in the project, due to poor funding and execution, has already resulted in a cost increase of over 100 percent.
Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, expressed concerns about the inadequate funding for projects in the Southeast, particularly the Enugu-Onitsha expressway. He emphasized the need for federal intervention to ensure the completion of the road.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, urged the president to prioritize funding for Southeast roads to fully benefit from the administration’s economic development agenda. He highlighted the importance of addressing the infrastructure deficit in the region to support its growth and development.
AT Reporter
