Umahi, who made this known during a recent inspection tour of federal road projects in the South-East and South-South regions, described progress on the Enugu-Onitsha route as “unsatisfactory” and called for greater accountability from the firms involved.

“I’m not pleased with the pace of work,” he said, emphasizing the importance of timely delivery. “Contractors must take their responsibilities seriously and ensure these critical infrastructure projects are completed without further delays.”

The Minister also assessed other ongoing federal road projects, including the Warri-Benin-Asaba Road in Delta State. He particularly noted concerns with the slow development on the Efurun-Sapele section being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

“I expect contractors to redouble their efforts. Timely completion is non-negotiable,” Umahi added.

While in Delta, he commended the collaboration between the state and federal governments, especially the state’s role in facilitating compensation for those affected by construction activities.

“The proactive steps by the Delta State Government, especially in handling compensations, have helped to accelerate project timelines,” Umahi noted. “We at the Federal Ministry of Works will continue to honour our part of the partnership.”

In Enugu State, Umahi inspected the ongoing construction of the Eke-Obinagu Flyover and expressed satisfaction with the progress, describing the project as a model of effective execution.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the country and called on all stakeholders to contribute to achieving this national goal.

The post Umahi Decries Delay on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Urges Contractors to Speed Up Work appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Funded by MTN under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, the project faced delays and funding challenges requiring urgent resolution.

At a February 26, 2025, meeting in Abuja, Minister David Umahi warned MTN against substandard work and cost variations.

Umahi stressed that MTN would be accountable for structural failures and must not prioritize profit over project funding.

He directed the contractor, RCC Nig. Ltd., to switch from peeled sand to river sand for better road durability.

The project aims to boost economic activities and improve transportation in the South-East upon completion.

The post FG Sets May 2026 Deadline for Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Completion appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., saw a fuel-laden tanker lose control, overturn, and ignite a massive fire that spread to six nearby vehicles and another tanker. The blaze left several victims burnt beyond recognition, while the chaos caused fear and panic among residents and travelers.

Witnesses said the tanker lost control due to brake failure while descending the steep road. The spill triggered an uncontrollable fire that made rescue efforts nearly impossible. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to save lives, but the destruction was overwhelming.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to social media to express his heartbreak, describing the frequent tanker explosions across the country as a national crisis. “Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State. May their souls find eternal rest,” Atiku wrote. He also urged the government to investigate and address the root causes of these recurring tragedies.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the site of the explosion to assess the damage and console victims’ families. He pledged immediate action, including providing medical care for survivors and implementing stricter safety measures for fuel tankers. “This tragedy could have been avoided. Preliminary findings indicate a brake failure caused the spill and subsequent fire,” Mbah said. “We will enforce the use of anti-spill locks on tankers and expedite repairs on this federal road to prevent such incidents.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Enugu, Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the death toll at 18, with 11 people dying on the spot and others succumbing to injuries later. He commended Governor Mbah for his swift response and his commitment to covering medical expenses for the injured.

This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for improved road safety regulations and stricter enforcement of standards for fuel transport. With proper infrastructure and proactive measures, such tragedies can be prevented, sparing countless lives from senseless loss.

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