The Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has expressed displeasure over the slow pace Renold Construction Company, RCC, is going about constructing the Eleme section of East-West Road.
PETROAN spokesperson Joseph Obele made this known in a statement made available to Media Talk Africa on Thursday.
Quoting the National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis Harry, the statement said RCC’s slow pace of work, despite receiving N33 billion from the Federal Ministry of Works, is sabotaging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the smooth distribution of petroleum products from the newly commissioned Port Harcourt Refinery.
According to PETROAN, about 60 retail outlets are negatively impacted by the
road construction. The association requested adequate compensation for owners of those filling stations.
PETROAN recalled that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at a recent press conference, has also complained
about the slow approach of RCC, leading to the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum.
“Thousands of petroleum trucks will be using the road to convey products from the newly inaugurated the Port Harcourt refinery; hence, further delay is detrimental. The Eleme East-West Road is a critical route for the transportation of petroleum products, and its safety is paramount.
“The road’s deplorable condition poses a significant risk to trucks carrying
petroleum products, which could lead to catastrophic accidents and environmental disasters.
“PETROAN is calling on President Tinubu to evaluate the ongoing contract by RCC in line with the contract timeline. This move would consolidate his renewed hope agenda by ensuring the timely completion of the Eleme East-West Road project.
“Furthermore, PETROAN is calling on the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to fast-track the contract evaluation process and take decisive action to address the slow pace of work by RCC,” the statement said.
