The utilization of reinforced concrete technology is being announced by the Federal Government for the East-West road project, a development that covers the South-south region of Nigeria.
This decision comes in response to potential protests from the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People and former agitators in the Niger Delta regarding the incomplete section of the road.
A statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by the spokesperson to the Minister of Works, Uchenna Orji, emphasized the government’s dedication to preventing future failures within segments of the road.
The adoption of reinforced concrete technology aims to eliminate pavement issues and address years of neglect concerning the highway.
Expressing concerns, MOSOP, through its Public Relations Officer, Imeabe Saviour, highlighted that the incomplete road has led to numerous accidents, causing loss of lives.
In a statement made earlier in July, the group remarked, “Despite the significant revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, the condition of the East-West road in our vicinity remains deplorable, posing dangers to travelers and the Ogoni people.
“The East-West road, previously declared as completed, remains an abandoned project.”
During an inspection by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, he commended the contractors managing the relief culverts within sections of the road, such as the Kaiama-Ahoada segment in Rivers/Bayelsa states.
The minister also praised the high-quality work done on section 3A of the East-West Road at kilometer 15.
Umahi assured MOSOP that a permanent resolution was in progress, with plans to elevate the road above flood levels and overlay it with 12-inch reinforced concrete.
“We are encouraging more local contractors to participate due to the magnitude of work available. Our instruction is for the contractor to focus on the relief culverts to manage floods in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission,” he added.
He also requested patience from road users, affirming that the project is projected to conclude by December.
The government’s decision to strengthen the road infrastructure is a significant step towards rectifying the deficits in the region.