He said the road was given to a private company under a public-private partnership deal in 2025 and that the company was meant to rebuild and manage it. Instead, large parts of the road got worse. Motorists spent hours and sometimes days stuck in traffic. People protested. Videos of stranded travellers quickly went viral online.
David Umahi spoke clearly on the site. He told the concessionaire: “You are learning how to do construction on our road. I am very disappointed with the concessionaire, but I take full responsibility for the misdeed.”
He also apologised to road users who suffered. The minister said the company had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt without finishing the needed repairs. He warned that such actions destroy public property and said those responsible could face arrest.
President Bola Tinubu had ordered the ministry to act fast and ease the hardship of those stuck in the traffic. David Umahi led the response himself. He met with officials, engineers, the concessionaire, and representatives from Edo and Delta states. The goal he said is both quick fixes and longer term solutions so the road becomes reliable again.
This major roads link important parts of the South-South and South-East and when it is damaged, daily life and business suffer.
David Umahi spoke clearly on the site. He told the concessionaire: “You are learning how to do construction on our road. I am very disappointed with the concessionaire, but I take full responsibility for the misdeed.”
He also apologised to road users who suffered. The minister said the company had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt without finishing the needed repairs. He warned that such actions destroy public property and said those responsible could face arrest.
President Bola Tinubu had ordered the ministry to act fast and ease the hardship of those stuck in the traffic. David Umahi led the response himself. He met with officials, engineers, the concessionaire, and representatives from Edo and Delta states. The goal he said is both quick fixes and longer term solutions so the road becomes reliable again.
This major roads link important parts of the South-South and South-East and when it is damaged, daily life and business suffer.
Na today that road bad?
ReplyDeleteNA TODAY????????
This is the Nigerian mentality that has left it in the stone ages.
Wait for things to collapse, lives lost, business damaged before rushing in with saviour mentality.
So if Minister no come, nothing will be done?
Is this a minister's role? LMAO.
Travellers have been there since AUGUST 19TH.
Me I'm very happy. I hope September meets them there.
Keep electing incompetent and mediocrity with your 3 cups of rice and 5yards of China Ankara.
Na you go suffer am pass.
There should be a state of emergency on our Federal roads.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any need to award new roads that will take ages to be completed while the one's in use are in a very bad condition.
The Ministry of works can do better.
DOZZYBEST.
That road of particular concern is even worst during the rainy season, especially that spot they call ' by pass'.
ReplyDeleteYou will pity drivers when you see how they are struggling to navigate just not to get stuck in potholes. Then passengers will stand stranded like sheep that lost their shepherds all because of what? Bad roads.
Mtcheeewwww
ReplyDeleteWhen the road is free and accessible,it will not take you hours or days before you get to your destination, talking about short trips.
ReplyDeleteDavid Umahi should give them ultimatum to finish that road before the year ends.
Not only visitation.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happened when you give contract based on sentiment not competent.
ReplyDelete