Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road: FG Issues Stern Warning To Chinese Contractors Over Construction Projects

In a recent high-level meeting, Federal Government officials, including the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, convened with representatives from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC).

The meeting aimed to tackle public complaints and enforce accountability among contractors involved in significant infrastructure projects, particularly the Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway.

Held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, the meeting focused on various concerns regarding the performance of CHEC and CHOMC. Engineer Umahi emphasized the importance of safeguarding public health, ensuring quality project delivery, and protecting government investments. He stated that firm warnings and directives were issued to address these issues proactively.

One critical point of discussion was a formal petition received by the Ministry regarding the Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project. Residents along this corridor expressed concerns about excessive dust generated from construction activities, which poses significant environmental and health risks.

In response, Umahi instructed the Permanent Secretary to issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate implementation of dust-control measures, including soil stabilization techniques. He warned that failure to address the issue within seven days would result in the suspension of the project.

Regarding the Dualisation of the Mararaba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister acknowledged that while the project commenced under the previous administration, the current government has made progress by completing certain sections and implementing tolls. However, it was noted that parts of the road completed by previous contractors are already deteriorating.

To address these concerns, Umahi reiterated his directive that the initial five kilometers of the project must be milled and re-asphalted using concrete, with proper road markings established. The contractor has been given a seven-day deadline to initiate these repairs.

Further directives included the rehabilitation of other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway through milling and overlay techniques. Special attention will be given to areas around Nasarawa State University, repairing failed bridge expansion joints, restoring damaged manhole covers, clearing blocked drainage channels, and managing washouts. Additionally, ongoing vegetation control is crucial, and the Minister insisted that all road furnishings must be reinstated post-maintenance.

Emphasizing highway safety, Engineer Umahi directed the contractor to enhance corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstructions and accidents on the highways.

Highlighting the administration’s inheritance of projects, Engr. Umahi stated that the government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

Despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, he confirmed. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and much more.

Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be taken on all construction sites, adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial Road and the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararaba-Lafia road.

The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.

These decisive measures reflect the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns, ensuring contractor accountability, and enhancing the overall quality and safety of infrastructure projects.