Senate Voices Alarm At Repetitive Contracts For East-West Road

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee, led by Senator Abdul Ningi, which is tasked with fact-finding regarding the East-West road, has expressed deep concern about the prolonged delay and duplication of contracts related to this critical infrastructure…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The duplication of contract awards, according to Senator Ningi, has involved multiple entities, including the Federal Ministry of Works, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), state and local governments. This, he noted, has led to compromises in the road’s engineering and construction aspects.

Ningi conveyed his disappointment during a fact-finding visit to Eket Local Government Council in Akwa Ibom State on Monday. He pointed out that certain road sections have deteriorated quickly after construction due to inadequate quality and faulty engineering design. He expressed frustration at the contractors’ lackadaisical approach to their projects.

Furthermore, Senator Ningi expressed concern about the absence of proper soil testing and adequate engineering attention in the road’s initial concept design, highlighting the compromises that have taken place.

He pledged to hold a public hearing on this failed project to allow the public to raise questions, with the aim of redirecting legislative efforts toward the completion of the East-West Road. He questioned how a road of such strategic importance to the nation’s economy had remained incomplete through four previous administrations until the 10th National Assembly had to intervene.