The Federal Government on Thursday, said that the reconstruction of the Enugu–Onitsha federal highway would cost 350 billion naira.
Sen. David Umahi, the Minister of Works said this while inaugurating completed portions of the roads.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated unrivaled resolve to complete the project.
Umahi said that the federal government reviewed the original 202 billion naira 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 was 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 extendind 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 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.
Umahi commended Tinubu for his resolve to change the infrastructural narrative of the south east, enumerating other roads being reconstructed or constructed across the zone.