Calabar-Abuja Superhighway: Umahi warns contractors against building demolitions

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has directed contractors handling the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway to ensure that no building is demolished or touched along the project alignment until the Federal Government concludes a review and, where necessary, realigns the route.

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of Phase Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Ado, Benue State, where he also reviewed project progress and directed contractors to accelerate construction.

The minister said the second section of the project covers 173 kilometres and is valued at ₦683 billion, while Section One is valued at ₦454 billion. He

The contractor on Section Two, according to Umahi, has already opened the first element of the first eight kilometres, while efforts are being intensified to resolve the engineering challenge around the Ado Bridge.

He also directed that at least three sections of the first element of Section Two be opened simultaneously to speed up work, adding that he would personally engage the project manager on site to agree on the technical and practical steps required.

The minister, however, gave clear instructions on buildings within the current alignment, stressing that the project's human impact must be carefully considered.

He further directed that sharp curves along the highway be strengthened, regardless of what the original design included, stressing that experienced professionals are needed on major infrastructure projects because on-the-ground engineering realities sometimes require adjustments.

Umahi explained that the project was being executed under an EPC Plus Finance arrangement, under which variations are not provided for, making it necessary for the project team to carefully manage quantities and resources without imposing additional costs on the Federal Government.

The minister also highlighted additional works being undertaken under Section One, including the dualisation of the road at Onueke, which he said was outside the initial scope, as well as the dualisation at Chainage 0 around Ndibe Beach.