The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the contractor’s failure to complete the 11-kilometre Asaba-Onitsha road project despite receiving about N14 billion.
The project covers the stretch from Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, to Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Umahi gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First Niger Bridge and adjoining road projects, expressing anger over what he described as the contractor’s slow pace of work and failure to fulfil the terms of the agreement.
According to the minister, Hartland had completed only about 40 per cent of the agreed scope of work despite receiving substantial payment from the Federal Government.
He said the contract included the construction of the 11-kilometre stretch, channelisation and hydraulic structures.
“On the Summit Junction to this Head Bridge, we gave it to the contractor called Hartland and we paid them, I think, up to N14 billion.”
“We reached an agreement that they would finish the 11 kilometres from the Summit Junction to this bridge with the money and do the channelisation and hydraulic structures. But today, they have done just about 40 per cent of the agreement,” Umahi said.
The minister then directed the Controller of Works to track down the company’s managing director.
“I am going to look for him to arrest him. Controller, you look for the MD of Hartland and arrest him,” he ordered.
Umahi also directed ministry officials to initiate steps to recover funds paid to the contractor through the banks and ordered a comprehensive review of all certificates and payments associated with Hartland’s projects.
He further instructed officials to immediately fix failed portions of the road around Head Bridge, noting that the deteriorating condition of the route was contributing to traffic congestion and increasing hardship for motorists.
Vandalism of First Niger Bridge
The minister also expressed concern over the vandalisation of critical components of the First Niger Bridge, describing the scale of the damage as alarming.
He disclosed that vandals had removed expansion joints, bolts and steel components from the bridge, including an overhead steel member considered vital to the structure.
Umahi said the extent of the damage was more serious than had been portrayed on social media and stressed the need for urgent remedial work.
He directed officials to weld damaged components that could be salvaged and replaced missing steel and bolts. He also ordered immediate milling and asphalt works on affected sections of the bridge.
The minister explained that movement or shaking of a bridge did not necessarily mean that the structure had failed, noting that bridges were designed with bearings that allow controlled movement.
However, he said the heavy dead load associated with asphalt would be addressed as part of the ongoing repair works.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government was considering restricting traffic on the bridge at night to allow repair works, with the route reopened during the day to minimise inconvenience to motorists.
CCTV, Solar Lights to Check Vandalism
To curb further vandalism, the minister announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras along the First Niger Bridge.
According to him, the surveillance system would be connected to designated officials working in collaboration with the police to monitor the bridge and respond quickly to suspicious activities.
“We are going to have solar lights fixed all through. We are going to have CCTV here, and the CCTV is going to be downloaded to your phone.»
“We are going to appoint people that it will be downloaded to, liaising with the police, so that if we see anybody, day and night, we can act,” he said.
Umahi urged Nigerians to protect public infrastructure, stressing that vandalism was not a political issue but a national challenge requiring collective responsibility.
He condemned the theft of iron components from concrete roads, parapets, bridges and other public infrastructure, describing the practice as reckless and unacceptable.
“This is not an APC problem. It is a national problem,” the minister said.
He noted that the Ministry of Works could not deploy personnel to every road and bridge across the country to protect public infrastructure from vandals.
Umahi Orders Arrest of Illegal Dredgers, Negligent Contractors
The minister also directed ministry controllers to arrest individuals involved in illegal dredging activities and contractors who abandon dangerous sections of roads without adequate protection for motorists and other road users.
He ordered contractors handling the Asaba bypass to provide proper drainage on both sides of the road to prevent erosion and protect adjoining residential properties from damage.
Umahi commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for paying compensation to property owners affected by the Second Niger Bridge access road.
He said the governor’s action demonstrated commitment to the welfare of Deltans and would help accelerate work on the project while reducing traffic pressure in Asaba.
Minister Inspects Second Niger Bridge
The minister also inspected a failing section around the third abutment of the Second Niger Bridge following concerns raised by a social media user who drew the attention of the Ministry of Works to the development.
Umahi commended the social media user for bringing the issue to the ministry’s attention, saying the report enabled officials to promptly inspect the affected portion and begin steps towards addressing the problem.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to rehabilitating critical road infrastructure across the country despite the scale of the challenges inherited nationwide.
Umahi warned that contractors handling government projects would be held accountable for their obligations, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would take firm action to ensure that public projects deliver value for money.(Roma Communications)
