The federal government on Thursday said that the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway would cost N350 billion.

Works minister David Umahi said this while inaugurating completed portions of the roads.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated unrivalled resolve to complete the project.

Mr Umahi said that the federal government reviewed the original N202 billion contract for the road and retained part of it.

“The FG further carved a 72-kilometre stretch for reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement, and this section costs about ₦150 billion.

“This section is being executed to higher durability standards similar to those used on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway,” he said.

The minister said that the first 15 kilometres of the reinforced concrete section were about 97 per cent completed.

“This section is presently being opened to traffic to ease movement during the Easter celebration.

“Another 18-kilometre stretch is under construction towards Anambra while a separate 39-kilometre segment extending from the River Niger Bridge axis is also ongoing,” he said.

He further said that contractors handling asphalt portions of the road had been directed to adopt the same concrete standard for the remaining 23 kilometres.

“This is due to the longer lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements of concrete roads compared to asphalt. Asphalt fails over time, but concrete can last between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance.

“Fifty per cent of the entire highway would be constructed on reinforced concrete, significantly improving durability and reducing long-term costs,” he said.

Mr Umahi commended Mr Tinubu for his resolve to change the infrastructural narrative of the south east, enumerating other roads being reconstructed or constructed across the zone.

The supervisors of various sections of the road commended the federal government for its support and pledged the completion of the project in 2026. 

(NAN)