Abuja: CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited has announced it has complied with directives issued by Minister of Works David Umahi to enhance the quality of work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road reconstruction: The company’s Area Manager, Yuan Kaizhi, revealed this while speaking to journalists at the project site in Ikire. He stated that all recommendations and corrections highlighted by the minister have been executed, resulting in the resumption of work.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Minister Umahi had previously instructed the contractor to halt work on June 21 and reassess pavement mixture specifications at another project site before continuing. The minister also criticized the issuance of a N2.8 billion palliative certificate despite no work being done and commanded the state Controller of Works to retract the certificate within 24 hours. Additionally, the contractor was directed to conduct genuine palliative repairs, decelerate work on the carriageway, and deploy two teams to manage the inner and outer shoulders simultaneously.
Kaizhi provided updates, stating that the company has addressed all concerns raised during the minister’s June 21 inspection. ‘The minister made recommendations on the concrete mixture and the maintenance of the existing road,’ Kaizhi said. Following the minister’s directive, the company visited another project site with engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works to study concrete preparation and on-site operations. Upon returning, they immediately adjusted their 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 added.
Regarding road maintenance, Kaizhi said palliative works have been completed on the alternative lane to ease traffic flow. Major potholes were filled, a cement-stabilised base course was applied, and asphalt was laid, making the road smoother, safer, and more convenient for motorists.
Project Manager Anjikwi Anjilibwala also affirmed compliance with the minister’s directives, noting that corrective measures on both the concrete mixture and palliative works have been completed. He stated that the 108.4-kilometre project carries a 50-year durability guarantee, with about 65 per cent of the current lane under construction completed. Anjilibwala commended the minister for his intervention and expressed confidence that the project would meet the required standards, noting that the project has a three-year completion timeline.
Some local residents praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the reconstruction. Resident Ridwan Olabanji expressed that the project would bring significant relief and economic benefits to the community, while lauding the minister for ensuring quality delivery. Another resident, Oladimeji Ibrahim, also commended the initiative and urged for its timely completion, praising the contractor for the pace and standard of work.