FG orders RCC to resume work on East-West Road

Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi has ordered Messres Renolds Construction Company (RCC), Nigeria Limited to immediately resume work on the 15KM Eleme to Onne Junction on the East West Road, Rivers State.

The minister suspended the work during his unscheduled inspection visit to the project site on January 27, 2024, due to observed infractions on the construction specifications.

The directive, according to a statement, is in accordance with the resolutions reached in a meeting with the Permanent Secretary and key directors of the ministry together with the management of RCC Limited
in his office.

The minister had ordered the suspension of work on the project due to substandard jobs and invited the management of the company to report to the ministry for resolution of technical issues.

Umahi further directed the contractors handling the project to resume work on the four sections of the project and in strict compliance with the contract specifications. They are also required to liaise with the permanent secretary and the director in charge of construction to engage with the representatives of the host communities on issues bordering on alleged infringement on the contractors’ right of way which, according to them, slows down the project.

“The Minister of Works is determined to see to the speedy and quality delivery of Federal Government’s jobs across the nation in line with the vision of the Renewed Hope administration of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and he is unbending in his resolve not to accept the delivery of jobs that fall short of standard” the statement noted

Recall that the minister had suspended the job last Sunday saying that the order became imperative following the use of sub-standard materials by the contractor handling the project.

He also expressed sadness over the slow pace of work even after the government had made an advance payment of N33 billion.

The minister explained that the work has to stop pending when some irregularities concerning the project are resolved.

“The project must benefit the people. The rainy season is coming in two months and the people will go ahead suffering.

“You have our N33 billion. Do you know what the interest rate is every month on the bill?” he asked the contractor