The Federal Government has issued strict warnings and deadlines to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its affiliate, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), over alleged substandard work, slow mobilisation, and environmental hazards on key federal road projects. The directive followed a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, with ministry officials and representatives of the two firms in Abuja.
The companies are concessionaires for strategic road projects, including the Mararraba–Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi Dual Carriageway, the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu Road, and the 7th Axial Road in Lagos. The meeting addressed mounting public complaints, poor project execution, and environmental risks, especially excessive dust along the Makurdi–9th Mile–Enugu corridor. Umahi directed the deployment of soil ilisation and dust-control measures within seven days, warning that failure to comply would result in project suspension.
Umahi also ordered the milling, reconstruction, and proper re-asphalting of the first five kilometres of the Mararraba–Lafia road, highlighting that portions completed under previous administrations were already failing. He instructed rehabilitation of defective sections, including bridges, manholes, drainage systems, and vegetation, with all road furniture and safety installations reinstated post-maintenance.
The minister expressed concern over inadequate mobilisation on the 7th Axial Road in Lagos, noting that despite substantial mobilisation funds, construction equipment had not been fully deployed, and site works remained minimal. He warned that funds would be recovered, and contractual sanctions applied if mobilisation targets were not met.
Responding, CHOMC’s Acting Executive Director (Operations), Stephen Lee, pledged deployment of anti-dust measures, full mobilisation on the Lagos project, and rehabilitation of failed sections on the Mararraba–Lafia corridor.
Umahi concluded that the Renewed Hope administration would no longer tolerate poor execution, undue delays, or negligence, emphasizing that contractors must meet agreed standards or face strict consequences. The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring safe, durable, and value-driven road infrastructure for Nigerians.
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