The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has ordered the immediate arrest of the contractor handling the Summit Junction to Head Bridge section of the Benin – Onitsha Expressway for allegedly failing to meet contractual obligations despite receiving payment.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of road projects in Onitsha, while commending the contractor handling the 17.5 kilometre access road to the Second Niger Bridge and assuring the firm of continued government funding.
At the Old Niger Bridge, the Minister expressed concern over the vandalisation of bolts, nuts and an overhead steel member, directing immediate replacement and welding of the damaged components.
He said the bridge would also be resurfaced with asphalt, with the rehabilitation to be carried out at night and the bridge temporarily closed during the exercise.
Umahi further announced plans to install CCTV cameras and solar powered lights on the bridge to strengthen security, while explaining that the bridge’s movement is due to its bearings and does not necessarily indicate structural failure.
He also said the Federal Government was exploring options to rehabilitate failed sections of the Benin Agbor road, accusing concessionaires of frustrating previous efforts to fix the road.
