Tinubu orders use of concrete technology on Obajana-Benin road

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Following the termination of the  contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the dualisation of Obajana Junction – Benin Road due to non-performance and effluxion of time, last year, and the reaward, the president has ordered a permanent solution on the road using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology with a 50-100 years guarantee.

So, performing the flagging off of the project, in Edo State, Minister of Works,  Senator David Nweze Umahi, said that hitherto, commuters and motorists have been going through hardships due to the failure and high traffic volume of the  road hence the dire need for its dualisation.

Umahi stated that the project has lingered for too long with the attendant consequences on the road users. He added that he has been visiting the road since his assumption of duty and has held several meetings with the former contractors but nothing changed.

“Upon reporting back to Mr President, he ordered for immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the sufferings, which led to the termination of three  out of the four sections of the entire alignment. As an adjoining part of the East-West Road, it is very dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Umahi posited. It is, as well, a vital link to the Federal Capital (Abuja) and other northern states with the south-east, south-west, and south-south geo-political zones of the country, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities.

He commended the governor and the people of Edo State for the display of team spirit on the project. Umahi disclosed that the governor does not only supervise state government works but extends his monitoring to those of the Federal Government. He also expressed his gladness for the governor’s humble disposition and for the quantum of projects going on in the state within a spate of 100 days in office, which was being celebrated on the same day.

While appreciating the president for his concern for the plight of the people plying the road, as well as those living along the corridor, the minister pleaded with them for patience during the duration of the construction of the additional lanes and reconstruction of the existing alignment. He directed the contractors to expedite action on the work, as delays will not be tolerated.

In his remarks, the representative of the president and Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo praised the president and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of the people of Edo State. According to him, with this kind gesture of the president, light has entered the state. He promised, on behalf of his people, unalloyed support for the president’s re-election in 2027. Also, the Governor of Kogi State being represented by the Deputy Governor thanked the president  for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections.

Earlier, the former Governor of Edo State and senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole hailed the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  and the untiring spirit of Engineer David Umahi, while thanking God for witnessing the day.

Recall that the dualisation of Lokoja – Benin Road is in four sections, but three sections of the road project fall under Edo State. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor – Benin is about 67.9km long.

“The Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited. They were also awarded Section II, while Section III is being given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nigeria) Ltd. and IV to CBC (Nigeria) Limited.