WorldStage– Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on Friday said an 18-kilometre dual carriageway project in Ebonyi State had reached the mobilisation stage, with the contractor already setting up its yard ahead of commencement within two weeks.
Speaking while inspecting ongoing and newly approved Federal Government road projects in the state, he also announced the approval of a 21-kilometre dualisation from Onueke through Ezza South to Ezza North, describing it as a major infrastructure boost for Ebonyi residents and road users.
According to him, the project will be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement.
Umahi further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved additional works on the Okposi–Amasiri road, including retaining walls, drainage and shoulder construction covering more than 25 kilometres.
He said the Okposi–Amasiri contract was valued at N46 billion, while the 18-kilometre dual carriageway project was worth about N84 billion.
Umahi added that all the newly approved projects would commence before the middle of August.
Inspecting the ongoing Onueke Flyover, the minister commended the contractor for maintaining steady progress, despite funding challenges.
He said that more than 60 per cent of the project had been completed, although the contractor had yet to receive mobilisation payment.
The minister also directed the dualisation of an additional two-kilometre section near the Onueke Flyover to improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity with the Third Legacy Road Project.
He said that the 125-kilometre legacy project traversing Ebonyi towards the Benue boundary was progressing steadily, with bridges, culverts and other critical infrastructure under construction.
Umahi praised the contractor handling the project for executing multiple sections simultaneously and maintaining high construction standards.
He said that the ministry would present three additional project approvals within the next two weeks to accelerate delivery.
He further disclosed that FEC had approved another road project linking the Benue boundary through Kogi to Nasarawa, adding that 30 per cent of the contract sum would be released immediately while the balance would be financed through a loan arrangement.
According to him, the network of ongoing federal road projects will strengthen transport links between the South-East, South-South and the North, improving regional integration and economic activities.He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the projects within schedule and delivering durable road infrastructure across the zone.
