AKOR SYLVESTER, Abuja
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has expressed displeasure over toll collection on the newly commissioned Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi expressway.
According to him, the collection system on the road subjects motorists to undue hardship.
As a remedial measure, he directed the concessionaire, Messrs China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company (CHOMC) to immediately increase the number of collection points, deploy more Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, as well as relief stations for public pleasure and convenience.
Umahi stated this when he paid a visit to the Toll Plaza at Garaku, Nasarawa State on Friday.
The Minister, while assuring road users of smoother passage at the Toll Plaza, promised to revisit the site on Monday, 10th February 2025, to assess compliance with his directives.
“The tollgate is not meant to have this kind of bottleneck. The current operation is inadequate, and we are giving the Concessionaire until Monday to make the necessary improvements. If by then this bottleneck is not resolved, I will release the traffic and replace them,” Umahi warned.
Emphasizing the importance of relief stations where vehicles can park and access essential amenities, the minister cautioned the operators that failure to comply with the requirement would result in the loss of their business.
“We will not tolerate anyone exploiting the plight of Nigerians. If you wish to operate in this sector, you must meet the required standards,” he added.
Engr. Umahi also addressed the slow progress of the remaining works, the Abuja –Keffi section, directing that the contractor, Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), be given a 14-day notice of termination immediately, due to unsatisfactory performance and effluxion of time.
He berated the company for achieving a meagre 8.7% of the project despite receiving mobilization funds, also surpassing 46% of the agreed timeline.
“The people are suffering, and the President is deeply concerned. Contractors cannot continue to mismanage Nigeria’s resources while failing to deliver as agreed. If there is no significant improvement within 14 days, we will take over the job.” the Umahi declared.
He further directed that mobilization funds already disbursed would not be subject to any review reiterating that contractors must be held accountable for delays resulting in cost escalations.
He instructed that the road median be reconfigured and equipped with solar-powered lights to enhance visibility and safety in the corridor.
The minister also mandated the immediate reconstruction of all failed sections of the completed alignment (Kebbi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi), stressing that substandard work would not be tolerated by the present administration.
Reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delivering high-quality road infrastructure to Nigerians, he assured the public that necessary corrective measures would be implemented.
“The President has granted the Ministry full authority to terminate any contract where political interests take precedence over performance,” the Minister warned.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister said “China Harbour Engineering Company, in particular, has been issued an ultimatum to complete one full carriageway by April or face termination of the contract.”
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
