From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over the alleged poor execution of the contract for the East-West Road in Bayelsa State.
Consequently, the House mandated the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to revoke the contract and re-award it to a company with the necessary expertise and capacity.
This directive followed the adoption of a motion by Oboku Oforji on the “need to revoke the contract for the construction of flooded sections of the East-West Road connecting major communities in Bayelsa State”.
In his motion, Oforji highlighted the East-West Road’s significance as a major economic and social artery, connecting regions and facilitating trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. He noted that the road has improved access to markets, industries, and social services.
Read also: MOSOP threatens protest over non-completion of East-West road project
Oforji explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works awarded the contract for the construction of box culverts to repair flooded sections of the East-West Road (Kaiama-Ahoada Section), the contractor has failed to execute the project. This failure has resulted in traffic disruptions, loss of lives, and fatalities.
“Recall that on April 11, 2024, the current Minister of Works, on an inspection tour of the East-West Road, praised Rock Result Nigeria Limited, but to date, nothing has been achieved,” he stated.
“The East-West Road has been in a dilapidated state for years, particularly at Iheke in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Aven in Patani, and Umeh in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, which connects Bayelsa State to Rivers and Delta States and other parts of the country,” he added.
