UMAHi ORDERS OPENING OF 15KM ENUGU–ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY SECTION, EMPHASIZES CONCRETE PAVEMENT FOR DURABILITY
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered that a completed 15-kilometre stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be opened to traffic on or before March 31, as part of ongoing efforts to improve transportation in the South-East.
Umahi issued the directive during an inspection of the project, where engineers updated him on construction progress and the readiness of the section for phased commissioning.
Speaking on Monday, he described the Enugu–Onitsha road as vital to the South-East’s economic activities, highlighting its history of frequent accidents and heavy traffic congestion.
“This Enugu–Onitsha road is one of the most important routes for the people of the South-East. It has been a major concern, with numerous tanker accidents and many lives lost,” he said.
He stressed that the reconstruction was part of a broader infrastructure push by the Federal Government.
“It’s not only that we are rebuilding this road. It’s 107km by two, so it’s 214km from Enugu to Onitsha. About half of it is going to be done on concrete, and I have no confidence in asphalt, and I continue to say it,” Umahi stated.
The minister added that using concrete pavement would ensure long-term durability.
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“By the time the asphalt fails, at least we should have 50 per cent of the road still intact. And if it fails within the second tenure of Mr President, then be assured that we will fix it with concrete,” he said.
Umahi also disclosed that solar-powered streetlights would be installed along the corridor.
“Within the next one week, you will have solar light up to this 15 kilometres, and we will continue,” he said.
He directed officials to ensure the road is opened before the end of March.
“By the 31st of this month, this 15km must be opened for traffic. Even if it’s not marked, even if the median gates are not put, open the road before the 31st. That will be our Easter celebration,” the minister said.
Umahi emphasised that the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East.
The people of the South-East ought to be very grateful to Mr President. We never had it like this,” he said.
“Not everything can be completed overnight, but we are fully committed. We remain focused and undistracted, implementing the President’s directive to ensure the entire country is well-connected with roads and bridges,” he added.
Earlier, the project’s Resident Engineer, Lawrence Ubi of the Federal Ministry of Works, stated that the 15-kilometre stretch around the Akama axis had reached approximately 95 percent completion using continuous reinforced concrete pavement.
“This 15km section is practically ready, and as you can see, vehicles are already using the road. The project has been executed to standard and is built to last for many years,” Ubi said.
Another engineer on the project, Smart Ndem, confirmed that authorities plan to open sections of the road in phases to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists.
“We are finalizing certain areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Safety remains a priority, and we will open sections only when it is safe to do so,” he explained.
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