Reps ask Umahi to revoke section of East-West road contract over ‘poor execution’

The  house of representatives has asked David Umahi, minister of works, to “immediately” terminate the contract for the construction of a section of the East-West road over alleged poor execution. 

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Oboku Oforji from Bayelsa state.

The East-West road, which straddles the southern geopolitical region, has been in a deplorable state for years. 

In July, the senate constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the non-completion of the road. 

Moving the motion on Tuesday, Oforji said there is no significant progress on the construction handled by Rock Result Nigeria Limited, adding that the expressway has witnessed persistent flooding in recent times.

“The federal ministry of works awarded the contract for the construction of the box culverts for the repairs of the flooded section of the East-West road — Kaiama-Ahoada section — to Rock Result Nigeria Limited but the company has failed to execute the contract, causing traffic disruptions, loss of lives and fatalities,” the lawmaker said.

“The East-West road has been in a dilapidated state for years particularly at Iheke in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers state, Aven in Patani and Umeh in Isoko south LGAs of Delta state connecting Bayelsa state to Rivers and Delta states and other parts of the country.”

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over plenary.

Afterwards, the house asked the ministry of works to revoke the contract on the section of the road and other contracts handled by the company and “re-award same to a company with expertise and capacity”.