Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has mandated the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to complete the reconstruction of the collapsed New Artisan Bridge on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by October 2024.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistant on External Relations to Governor Peter Mbah, and shared with reporters in Enugu on Monday.

According to Mr. Anichukwu, the directive came during an inspection tour of key federal projects in the state by the minister and the governor. Mr. Umahi stated, “I have visited this site more than 10 times since the bridge collapsed. The work being done by CCECC is commendable for both its quality and speed. This aligns with the pace desired by the Enugu governor, who is also pleased with the progress.”

The statement further quoted Mr. Umahi, saying, “I am giving them October 2024 to deliver this project.” Due to limited federal funds, the minister announced that the Enugu State Government would be allowed to complete the remaining sections of the 61-kilometre road, starting from the Naira Triangle. This initiative will be undertaken under the federal government’s Highway Development Management Initiative, following a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The minister also praised Governor Mbah for his administration’s strategic efforts and partnership with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to accelerate infrastructure development in the state. Mr. Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to completing the remaining sections of the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressways and the dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road.