The minister of works, David Umahi, has directed RCC Construction Company to use concrete to complete the remaining 23 kilometers of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
The road project is being carried out in Anambra and Enugu States under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
Umahi gave the order during an inspection visit at the Amansea area of the road. He said he was satisfied with the quality of work done so far by the contractors. However, he stressed that all federal roads in Nigeria should now be built with concrete instead of asphalt.
According to him, it costs about ₦94,000 to asphalt one square meter of road, and such roads may not last more than 15 months. In contrast, constructing one square meter of concrete road costs about ₦92,000 and can last up to 100 years. He said there is no reason to continue spending more money on asphalt when concrete is cheaper and more durable.
The minister instructed the contractor to fill both the inner and outer parts of the remaining 23km with laterite and raise them to the same level as the existing asphalt. He also ordered that flooded sections of the road should be dug up to two feet deep and refilled with large stones, sharp sand, and a stone base to make the road stronger.
He further directed that the existing surface should be crushed and mixed with a stone base and cement, compacted properly, and then covered with a final 10-centimeter concrete layer across the road.
The Federal Comptroller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Emeka Oparah, said the road has already reached the second binder stage and will provide a lasting solution to its previous bad condition. He added that the remaining 800 meters from the Amansea axis to the Immigration Junction will be completed by May 2026.
The Project Manager of MTN Nigeria, Engr. Tochukwu Onuora said they are satisfied with the speed and quality of the work. He thanked the minister for approving 104 kilometers of single carriageway out of the 107 kilometers dual carriageway project. He also said the project is valued at ₦202 billion.
