Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the company’s alleged failure to deliver an 11-kilometre section of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway despite receiving about ₦14 billion for the project.
Umahi gave the order during an inspection of road infrastructure along the Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha corridor in Delta State, expressing dissatisfaction that only about 40 per cent of the work had been completed.
The affected section stretches from Summit Junction to the Head Bridge and includes channelisation and hydraulic structures.
The minister directed officials to begin moves to recover funds paid to the contractor and ordered an audit of Hartland’s payment records and certificates across its projects.
During the inspection, Umahi also raised concerns over the vandalism of critical components of the Second Niger Bridge, warning that the removal of bolts, steel members and expansion joints could threaten the safety of the structure.
Related Posts:
He ordered the immediate replacement of damaged components and directed the installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras to improve surveillance around the bridge.
Umahi also ordered remedial work on erosion around the Second Niger Bridge and announced plans to resurface the old Niger Bridge with asphalt.
On the deteriorating Benin-Agbor road, the minister blamed concessionaires for frustrating rehabilitation efforts, saying the Federal Government is considering measures to restore smooth movement along the corridor.
