In efforts to address the long-standing challenges facing the East-West road in the South-south region of Nigeria, the Federal Government has introduced reinforced concrete technology for its development.
This decision follows concerns raised by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People and former agitators from the Niger Delta regarding the delays and incomplete sections of the road.
A statement released in Abuja by Uchenna Orji, the spokesperson for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future failures along the road.
The adoption of reinforced concrete technology aims to address historical pavement failures and neglect that have plagued the highway for years.
Expressing their concerns, MOSOP, through their Public Relations Officer Imeabe Saviour, highlighted the accidents and loss of lives resulting from the road’s incomplete status.
A statement from the group earlier this year lamented the deplorable condition of the East-West road in the Ogoni region, despite the significant revenue generated in the area.
Minister Umahi recently inspected various sections of the road, including the Kaiama-Ahoada stretch in Rivers/Bayelsa states, commending the contractors working on relief culverts for their dedication to the project.
He also praised the quality of work on section 3A at kilometer 15 of the East-West Road.
An initiative is in progress to elevate the road above flood levels by implementing a 12-inch reinforced concrete overlay to provide a lasting solution to the infrastructure challenges faced.
Umahi encouraged local contractors to engage in the project, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to mitigate flood issues.
He appealed to road users for patience, assuring that the project aims to reach completion by December.
The government’s efforts to fortify the East-West road signify a positive step towards addressing the infrastructure deficiencies in the region.