The federal government have ordered the suspension of the reconstruction of Eleme-Onne of the East-West Road in Rivers State, citing the use of sub-standard materials by the contractor; Minister of Works, David Umahi, expresses dissatisfaction, orders suspension until irreguIarities are resolved.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who gave the order in Port Harcourt, yesterday, during a media chat with newsmen said the decision followed the use of sub-standard materials by the contractor handling the project.
The minister noted that, “The President had to order me in September to come here and ordered the payment because some Rivers State indigenes went to see the President and we paid you N33 billion from that time till now.
“I saw that the sand they are using, it is not river sharp. What we paid for is river sharp sand. I’m not satisfied. And so, the sand will fill it and it becomes a compact monolitic pavement structure. When I saw that sand, I wasn’t happy. And I took that sand and put it on my palm and poured water and as I was squizzing it, at the end of the day, there was nothing left.
“That confirmed that it very clear. So, I directed that the company should be written and they should ensure that they remove the sand. I was very shocked that instead of removing the sand, they had continued with the sand”.
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