David Umahi, the minister of works, has ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Hartland Nigeria Limited over the contractor’s failure to complete the 11-kilometre Asaba-Onitsha road project despite receiving about N14 billion.
The project covers the stretch from Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, to Head Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Umahi issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First Niger Bridge and adjoining road projects. Furious over the contractor’s slow pace of work, he accused Hartland of abandoning the project after completing only about 40 per cent of the agreed scope.
The minister, accompanied by Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, and senior officials of the Ministry of Works, also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road and the vandalisation of critical bridge components.
He ordered ministry officials to track down and arrest Hartland’s managing director, insisting that the contractor must return to site and complete the project.
