Rivers/Bayelsa, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced April 2025 as the deadline for completing the dualisation of the East-West Road, specifically the stretch from Ahoada in Rivers State to Kaiama in Bayelsa State.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a statement signed by Mohammed Ahmed, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, after an inspection of the project.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on Section II-II, handled by Messrs Setraco Nigeria Ltd., but urged the contractor to accelerate progress by deploying additional resources to meet the timeline. “The April 2025 delivery date remains sacrosanct,” Umahi stated, adding that the completion of multiple box culverts in flood-prone areas along the road is also scheduled for the same deadline.
The minister reiterated that road and bridge infrastructure is a top priority of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Revolution under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He urged contractors to enhance their efforts to ensure timely delivery.
Setraco’s project manager, Isaa Michel, assured Umahi of the company’s commitment to meeting the April deadline. However, he noted challenges posed by soil conditions in flood-affected areas, emphasizing the need for continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) over a 2.3-kilometre stretch.
Umahi also inspected the construction of box culverts by Messrs Rock Result Nigeria Ltd. on the East-West Road but expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s slow pace. Initially scheduled for completion in November 2024 and extended to December, the work remains unfinished.
The minister issued a stern warning, giving the contractor until the end of January to complete the project or face contract termination.
The East-West Road, a critical infrastructure connecting the South-South region, has long been plagued by delays, but the government remains committed to its completion to enhance economic development and connectivity.
By Enoch Odesola| January 11, 2025
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