By Peter Omopo
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered sanctions against the contractor handling the Summit Junction to Head Bridge section of the Benin Onitsha Expressway, including the immediate arrest of the contractor over alleged failure to fulfil contractual obligations despite receiving payment.
Umahi gave the directive on Thursday while inspecting the ongoing 17.5 kilometre access road to the Second Niger Bridge.
The Minister commended the Chinese firm executing the access road for the pace of work and urged it to sustain the momentum, assuring the contractor of continued government funding to ensure timely completion.
During the inspection, Umahi also raised concerns over the vandalisation of the old Niger Bridge, particularly the removal of bolts and nuts from the structure.
He said the Federal Government had commenced the replacement of the vandalised components and would also resurface the bridge with asphalt as part of efforts to restore and strengthen the structure.
According to the Minister, the rehabilitation work on the old Niger Bridge will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to motorists and other road users. He disclosed that the bridge would be temporarily closed during the construction exercise.
Umahi further announced plans to install closed circuit television cameras and solar powered lighting systems on the bridge to strengthen surveillance, improve security and deter further vandalism.
The Minister also expressed concern over deteriorating portions of the Benin Agbor Road, accusing concessionaires of frustrating Federal Government efforts to rehabilitate failed sections of the highway.
He said the government was considering alternative measures to address the affected portions and restore smooth movement along the important corridor.
Umahi warned that the continued removal of critical components from the old Niger Bridge posed a serious threat to public safety, stressing that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent further deterioration of the structure.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to complete critical road infrastructure across the country and ensure that contractors adhere strictly to the terms of their contractual agreements.
