Property Owners Demand Cancellation of East-West Road Contract With RCC

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Only a day after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected progress of work on the Eleme axis of the East-West Road project in Rivers State, property owners along that axis of the road have called for the cancellation of the contract to Reynolds Construction Company Limited, RCC.

In a press release, the Chairman and Secretary of an association of the property owners in the area, Joseph Obele and Peter Haraca, said the conduct of the contractors has shown that they are not competent enough to execute the contract and deliver it on schedule.

They said apart from the inconvenience, accidents and traffic congestions that the project has caused since it took over the site, the delay in the project has made it difficult for petroleum marketers to transport refined petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery to their destinations.

Obele, who is also a petroleum marketer, said, “Despite receiving ₦33 billion from the Federal Ministry of Works, RCC has failed to compensate property owners along the axis and has instead demolished properties and obstructed businesses, affecting over 20,000 businesses.”

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Senator Barry Mpigi had expressed concerns about RCC’s performance. And Obele said given the impending raining season, which may further hinder RCC’s work, it’s essential to reevaluate the contract and consider awarding it to a more reputable construction company.

He said the property owners were, therefore, urging President Bola Tinubu to revoke the contract and re-award it to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Similarly, the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed concern over the slow pace of work by RCC on the Eleme East-West Road.

The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Gillis Harry, said RCC’s slow pace of work is sabotaging efforts to ensure smooth distribution of petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt refinery.

PETROAN, in a statement, said that about 60 filling stations were closed down as a result of the road construction, and demanded that adequate compensation be paid to their owners.

“Thousands of petroleum trucks will be using the road to convey products from the newly inaugurated Port Harcourt refinery; hence, further delay is detrimental. The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount. The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.

“PETROAN is calling on President Tinubu to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline. This move would consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.

“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC,” the statement said.