The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed deep disappointment over the sluggish progress on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, describing the current pace of work as “not encouraging.”
Umahi made the remarks during a weekend inspection of the project site, where he urged contractors handling the expressway to rise to their responsibilities and ensure the timely completion of the project.
“It is disheartening to see this level of delay. I expect all contractors to demonstrate a sense of urgency and commitment. Timely completion is crucial,” the minister stated.
In addition to the Enugu-Onitsha project, the former Governor of Ebonyi State also inspected several other ongoing federal infrastructure projects across the South-East and South-South regions.
While in Delta State, Umahi criticized the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for what he described as an unimpressive performance on the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road, particularly noting the slow pace of work on the Efurun-Sapele section.
“I am particularly not impressed with the work done by CCECC on the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road. The slow pace on the Efurun-Sapele section is a major concern. Contractors must intensify efforts to meet the project’s deadline,” Umahi emphasized.
He, however, lauded the synergy between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government, noting that the state’s proactive role in handling compensation payments to affected individuals had been key to accelerating project timelines.
“The Delta State Government’s proactive approach in taking over the payment of compensation to affected individuals has been instrumental in fast-tracking these projects. I am confident that this collaboration will yield positive results,” Umahi said, assuring that the Federal Ministry of Works would honor its commitments.
Concluding his inspection tour, Umahi visited the Eke-Obinagu flyover construction site in Enugu State, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work.
The minister’s tour underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure infrastructure projects are delivered on schedule and meet the highest standards of execution.
