BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
In a bid to achieve zero pothole on the alignment, the Federal Government has commenced palliative works on failed sections of Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway project pending the re-award of the contract.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi stated this during the inspection of Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway project recently.
He confirmed that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has set bold timelines for the completion of the rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway project.
The minister said that the ambitious project is central to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and ensuring better reconnectivity across the northern region.
Umahi was accompanied by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris; Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi and Hon. Akin Alabi; and other members during the visit.
He emphasised that the completion of the road, which stretches from Abuja to Kano must be done within 14 months.
The minister reiterated that the contract was revoked and taken away from the initial contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Ltd. due to irreconcilable differences like attempting to extend the project timeline by an additional three years, which he declared unacceptable.
He noted that the road, which would be completed on time, will meet the nation’s urgent infrastructure needs.
The minister informed that the project has been broken down into three manageable segments for speedy, timely and quality completion.
He assured Nigerians that any delay or hindrance on the project would not be tolerated, as all parties are in sync with the goals of completing the road on schedule.
Umahi pointed out that the road will be built to last between 50 to 100 years, making it a lasting legacy.
The project will include an extension of ten kilometres at the Kano end and another five kilometres at the Abuja end so that no failed alignment will hinder the connection.
Already, the minister’s directive to complete the road within 14 months has been backed by members of the National Assembly, and all stakeholders are collaborating toward achieving the milestone.
He reiterated that the political aspect of the project should be set aside, focusing solely on delivering a world-class highway for the benefit of Nigerians.
The minister insisted that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to complete the project without any further delay.
He hinted that President Tinubu has directed that the suffering of road users on the alignment should end as soon as possible, saying that the ministry is committed to attaining the feat.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris stated that the inspection will be conducted periodically to monitor progress, as well as provide updates to the citizens.
He stated that the team leading the project comprised highly skilled professionals, adding that he was optimistic the project would be a great success.
Idris said that the President remains steadfast in his commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and ensuring timely completion of critical projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway rehabilitation, which will significantly enhance transportation, trade and economic activity in Nigeria.
Chairmen of the Works Committee of the two chambers of the National Assembly pledged to support the project by providing adequate budgetary allocations and oversight functions for the benefit of all Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed on Thursday in Abuja.
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