The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a mandate for the redesign of the Onitsha bypass concerning the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge. This decision comes in light of identified flaws and overestimations in the initial design, potentially saving the nation a staggering sum of N300 billion.
The Minister made this revelation during an inspection visit to the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt), managed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC).
Accompanied by notable figures such as Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, and leaders from various political backgrounds in the Southeast, Umahi emphasised the importance of efficient design and cost-effectiveness in road infrastructure projects.
Umahi’s directive to contractors working on federal road projects in the Southeast and South-South regions underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development while ensuring strict compliance with contract specifications.
The minister urged contractors to prioritise the welfare of road users and expedite work to mitigate hardships, particularly during the upcoming rainy season.
During his inspection tour, Minister Umahi also visited several ongoing projects, including the upgrading of the East-West road section III and the rehabilitation of the collapsed New Artisan Bridge in Enugu State. Expressing satisfaction with the progress, he encouraged contractors to intensify efforts to meet milestones ahead of schedule.
Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s support and commitment to infrastructure development, Minister Umahi reiterated his dedication to fulfilling the objectives of the Renewed Hope administration. Southeast leaders present during the tour expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s visionary leadership and praised Umahi’s hands-on approach in ensuring project excellence.
Sen. Nwaebonyi commended Umahi’s proactive stance, emphasising his unwavering dedication to overseeing projects according to specifications. Former SGF Sen. Anyim echoed this sentiment, highlighting Umahi’s passion, expertise, and unprecedented impact on project implementation.
Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, lauded the Minister’s efforts in delivering quality infrastructure projects while minimising costs. He hailed Umahi’s initiatives as democracy in action, expressing confidence that President Tinubu’s administration would leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Minister Umahi’s directive to redesign the Onitsha bypass for the 2nd Niger Bridge signals a crucial step towards optimising infrastructure projects for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, underscoring the government’s commitment to national development.
