The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered contractors working on the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway to increase the pace of construction by opening additional work fronts along the route.
Umahi issued the directive during an inspection of the ongoing project at the weekend, saying contractors must deploy adequate manpower, equipment and other resources to ensure simultaneous construction at different locations.
The minister’s directive comes as construction teams continue to navigate difficult sections of the highway, including rivers, swamps and other challenging terrain.
He challenged the contractors to develop practical engineering solutions to overcome the obstacles without compromising the quality, durability or safety of the road.
Umahi specifically directed the contractor handling Section Two to establish at least three work fronts, particularly around difficult portions of the alignment.
He also ordered that existing buildings along the proposed route should not be demolished without further technical assessment.
According to him, the ministry would consider realigning sections of the highway where necessary, especially around built-up areas and sharp curves, to minimise the impact on existing structures.
“My directive is that no building should be touched. Even if it’s within the alignment, I have to come and realign it,” the minister said.
Umahi added that any technical adjustment to the alignment must be carried out without creating additional financial obligations for the Federal Government under the project’s financing arrangement.
The minister further directed contractors to accelerate work around river crossings and other difficult sections. He said temporary motorability could be provided in some areas to allow movement while permanent construction works are completed.
He commended the contractors for the progress recorded since his previous inspection, saying the project had advanced significantly.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze, also praised the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts to improve connectivity among communities across the country.
Nweze said the project was already creating employment opportunities and could stimulate economic activities in communities along the corridor.
She noted that the highway would improve the movement of people, agricultural products and other goods, describing the project as part of the Federal Government’s wider infrastructure and economic development agenda.
