The Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi, said the construction of Sections 3b and 4 of the Akwa Ibom-Cross River axis of the Coastal Highway would kickstart by August 2024.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the alignment of Sections 3b and 4 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on Saturday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the minister explained that the routes in Akwa Ibom have two sections, 27 and 80 kilometers, totaling 107 km, respectively, which would be about the 4th in length from Lagos to Cross River states.
According to him, “Mr President, Bola Tinubu, graciously directed that Sections 3 and 4 must start in Cross River and Akwa Ibom. That is why we are here to introduce the routes in Akwa Ibom. Incidentally, the routes have two sections: Section 3b, which is 27 km, and Section 4, which is 80 km. So, on the whole, Akwa Ibom is benefitting from 107 km, which is about fourth in length all the way from Lagos to Cross River.
When we conclude procurement and award these Sections 3 and 4, work will commence simultaneously in August.”
Umahi, however, warned contractors against undue delay in the execution of projects, saying that the federal government would not hesitate to terminate the contract if the contractor was not up and doing and re-award the same to another credible contractor immediately.
He regretted that construction giants such as Julius Berger, China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, and the Reynolds Construction Company have failed to deliver on their projects despite the large sums sunk in by the government.
He warned that if the trio fail to mobilize to the site by next week, they would risk termination of their contracts.
Umahi also expressed disappointment that the contractors have been giving excuses of non-payment of compensation as reasons for not mobilizing to the site, while noting that the Akwa Ibom State government had already settled the compensation issues as it concerns the Calabar-Itu road.
Peoplesmind
