National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Government has increased the budget for Bodo-Bonny link road in Rivers State from N199 billion to N280 billion.
This announcement was made by Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection of road projects in Rivers State.
The revised budget comes with a new completion and commissioning target date set for December 15, 2024.
Umahi explained that the Federal Ministry of Works is aligning contract standards with available funding and project priorities to ensure the successful completion of such projects.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited 2,600 unfinished road projects from the previous administration.
Due to limited funds, these projects will be executed based on fairness and equity across the geo-political zones and states.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Umahi emphasised that payments to contractors must align with the progress of completed work.
“We will ensure that the amount paid to contractors corresponds with the completed projects. Contractors should not receive undue payments,” he stated.
Umahi assured that the ministry would fulfill its obligations, including timely payments, to ensure Julius Berger completes the Bodo-Bonny road on schedule.
“We have had some challenges with Julius Berger, but both parties have agreed on the terms.
We are not dissatisfied with the revised cost of N280 billion, which is the final completion cost,” he added.
Regarding the Akpajo/Eleme section of the East-West Road, Umahi criticised Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for abandoning the project.
“We are very disappointed with RCC’s behaviour, including poor work quality and project delays. The entire road is in a terrible state, and the contractor must be warned,” he said.
The minister revealed that efforts are underway to complete all sections of the East-West Road, with flood-prone areas being constructed on concrete pavements.
On the Mbiama section, he noted that the road height is being raised by one meter to avoid flooding.
Umahi stressed the importance of proper monitoring to ensure the success of road projects.
“We will prioritise contracts that have sufficient funding and focus on completing the most critical projects.
“We inherited over 2,600 projects, and we do not have the resources to complete all of them immediately,” he explained.
Umahi commended President Tinubu, contractors, and ministry staff for their dedication towards completing the ongoing road projects across the country.
