FG Releases N7bn For Completion Of East-West Road – Minister

Posted by Ignatius Okpara Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Friday, May 21st, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Omotayo Alasoadura, says that the Federal Government has released about N7 billion to enable contractors to facilitate the completion of the East-West Road project.

This was announced in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Deworitshe Patricia made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.

“The Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Senator Omotayo Alasoadura has disclosed that the Federal Government released about N7billion to contractors to facilitate the East-West Road project, urging contractors to comply to the directives in order to complete and hand over the project to the people of the region before the end of the First Quarter 2022,” the statement read in part.

The statement disclosed the minister disclosed this while inspecting the road from Section II Sub Section II (Ahoada – Kaima) to Section II Sub Section I (Eleme Junction – Ahoada) and Section IIIA (Eleme Junction – Onne Port Junction) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.

It added, “Alasoadura inspected various sites to ascertain the progress of work on the East-West Road. At Ahoada – Kaima Section II Sub Section II, he observed that due to the bad terrain, a huge volume of earthwork is ongoing to stabilise the soil to accommodate suitable materials for road construction while Sub-section l is near completion. He projected that Ahoada-Kaima Section II is expected to be commissioned soon.

“At Obikwere flyover, the site contractor informed the minister of the failed drainage system which has caused constant water retention around the corridor, adding that the proposal to correct the anomaly would be sent to the Ministry for approval.

“While inspecting Section IIIA, the minister said the contract was awarded to ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic along the already dualized 15Km stretch of the Highway from the Onne Port Refinery, Eleme Petrochemicals and other industries along the highway by eliminating traffic bottlenecks and ensuring well-drained and durable road.”

The minister also disclosed that the completion of the road remains a major priority of the current regime.