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Road Scandal Erupts! Umahi Gives Chinese Firm CCECC 14 Days To Vacate Aba–Port Harcourt Site Over ‘Substandard Work
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has ordered the issuance of a 14-day termination notice to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over alleged substandard work and the near-collapse of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road project.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during an inspection of federal road projects in Rivers State, Umahi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the 43-kilometre dual carriageway, accusing the contractor of violating engineering standards despite receiving multiple warnings.
“We are at the Port Harcourt-bound Aba route being constructed by CCECC, which is now on the verge of total collapse,” Umahi said.
“This project was inherited, and since we assumed office, the government has continued funding it to ensure one carriageway is completed.”
The minister noted that both parties had earlier agreed to use concrete on the shoulders and asphalt on the main carriageway for improved durability. However, he alleged that CCECC disregarded the design specifications, laying binder courses over long stretches without finishing the shoulders or applying the final wear coat — a shortcut that has already failed on sections completed two years ago.
Umahi warned that if CCECC fails to mill and replace the defective binder layer, the firm would face severe sanctions, including the termination of all its federal contracts.
“If CCECC refuses to correct the defects, we will not only terminate this contract but also blacklist the company from future federal projects,” he warned.
Citing over 20 documented warnings, Umahi revealed that the ministry will de-scope the Port Harcourt-bound lane from CCECC’s contract and reassign it to competent indigenous contractors capable of delivering quality results.
“I have directed the ministry to identify qualified indigenous contractors to take over the Port Harcourt-bound lane,” he added.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Umahi said all official correspondences between the ministry and CCECC will be made public to protect taxpayers’ money and uphold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
He also instructed the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State to formally serve the termination notice, along with all related documents and warnings, to CCECC’s head office before Wednesday.
