By Sunday Okoli
The Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, has summoned contractors handling road projects across the state to explain recurring road failures and take urgent steps to correct identified defects. Ezeobi gave the directive on October 15 during a meeting with road contractors.
The commissioner expressed concern over videos circulating on social media showing failed road sections, describing the situation as embarrassing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the engineering profession and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. He said the development had raised questions about the quality of workmanship and professional competence of some contractors.
Ezeobi noted that the persistent failure of roads, particularly dualisation projects, was worrisome despite the state government’s introduction of stone base construction to improve road durability. He explained that the meeting was convened to enable contractors to identify the causes of the failures and determine appropriate corrective measures.
He directed contractors to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all roads constructed since Governor Soludo assumed office, inspect their current conditions and promptly repair sections showing signs of failure. He stressed that newly constructed and rehabilitated roads should provide motorists with smooth and safe journeys without noticeable defects.
The commissioner disclosed that he would submit an independent report to the Governor and recommend stricter commitments from contractors to ensure compliance with approved engineering standards. He added that the government had fulfilled its financial obligations by paying certificates duly generated for completed works, urging contractors to deliver durable projects that provide value for public funds.
Identifying possible causes of road failures, Ezeobi listed poor-quality asphalt, inadequate compaction, insufficient moisture control and the use of untested construction materials. He directed contractors to ensure that all materials undergo the required laboratory tests and receive the necessary certification before use, while insisting that prescribed tests must cover the entire length of each project.
He further emphasised strict adherence to engineering procedures, including proper layer-by-layer compaction and compliance with the ministry’s approval processes. Contractors, he said, must formally notify the ministry before undertaking compaction to enable the appropriate inspections and quality-control procedures, adding that no construction materials should be used before the relevant test results are obtained and approved.
On drainage infrastructure, the Commissioner expressed concern over reported failures and warned that defective structures would not be tolerated. He also questioned arrangements in which contractors subcontract drainage construction to their own engineering representatives, stressing the need for independent supervision and accountability. He warned that confirmed failed drainage sections would be removed and reconstructed to meet the required engineering standards.
Ezeobi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening quality control and improving supervision to ensure that road projects across Anambra meet the standards expected by the government and residents. The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Martin Agbili, and other ministry officials.
Sunday Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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