Contractor confirms compliance with Umahi’s directives, resumes Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa project

By Moromoke Akanji

CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited said it has complied with directives issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on improving the quality of work on the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa road reconstruction.

The company’s Area Manager, Yuan Kaizhi, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists at the project site in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun.

He said all recommendations and corrections highlighted by the minister had been implemented, leading to the resumption of work.

Umahi, on June 21, directed the contractor to suspend work and review pavement mixture specifications at another project site before resuming.

The minister had also faulted the issuance of a N2.8 billion palliative certificate despite no palliative work being carried out and ordered the state Controller of Works to withdraw the certificate within 24 hours.

He further directed the contractor to undertake genuine palliative repairs, slow down work on the carriageway, and deploy two teams to simultaneously handle the inner and outer shoulders.

Providing an update, Kaizhi said the company had addressed all concerns raised during the minister’s inspection on June 21.

“The minister made recommendations on the concrete mixture and the maintenance of the existing road,” he said.

“Following his directive, we visited another project site with engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works to study concrete preparation and on-site operations. On return, we immediately adjusted our mixture.

“As you can see, the changes have been implemented and the quality has improved. I can assure you that the road will last at least 50 years”, he said.

On road maintenance, Kaizhi said palliative works had been carried out on the alternative lane to ease traffic flow.

“We filled major potholes, applied a cement-stabilised base course, and laid asphalt. The road is now smoother, safer, and more convenient for motorists,” he added.

The Project Manager, Anjikwi Anjilibwala, also confirmed compliance with the minister’s directives, noting that corrective measures on both the concrete mixture and palliative works had been completed.

He said the 108.4-kilometre project carries a 50-year durability guarantee, adding that about 65 per cent of the current lane under construction had been completed.

Anjikibwala commended the minister for his intervention and expressed confidence that the project would meet required standards.

He noted that the project has a three-year completion timeline.

Some residents of the area commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reconstruction.

A resident, Ridwan Olabanji, said the project would bring significant relief and economic benefits to the community, while praising the minister for ensuring quality delivery.

Another resident, Oladimeji Ibrahim, also lauded the initiative and urged timely completion, commending the contractor for the pace and standard of work.

(NAN)