BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
In a bid to facilitate speedy completion of projects, the Federal Government has unveiled a new policy for mobilising contractors embarking on road projects across the country.
In the revised policy, every contractor must be actively working on the site for at least two weeks before receiving mobilisation fee.
This was against the initial agreement where contractors are paid 30 percent mobilisation fee before the comencement of a new project.
Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi stated this over the weekend while inspecting Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) that commenced from Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ended at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Capital.
The project, with an additional four kilometres from Zuba towards Gwagwalada on the Abuja-Lokoja expressway, also captured 40 kilometres (dual) on rigid pavement (concrete).
Umahi insisted that only contractors, who can deliver are needed to work on Nigeria roads to avoid abandoned projects by recalcitrant contractors.
He noted that the company handling the project, Messrs Infiouest International (Nig.) Limited has proven its capacity to deliver quality jobs on record time, seeing the extent of the project within a month of signing the contract.
"This is without being paid the initial 30 percent mobilisation fee as against what has been the previous practice,” he said.
He stated that the ministry’s decision that every contractor must be at the site and working for at least two weeks before the payment of mobilisation fee will pave the way for sustainable project development and delivery.
Commending the quality of work, the minister urged resident engineers or engineer’s representatives on other projects across the country to utilise correct stone base, adding that a standard stone base must contain at least 70 percent stone and 30 percent dust.
"Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure," he added.
Umahi reiterated that the Abuja-Kano dual carriageway is important for Mr. President, being a vital corridor linking the North to the South, as well as neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Niger and Benin Republics.
While fielding questions from journalists on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the status of Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) contract with the ministry, Umahi confirmed that before the end of the year, the entire first section of the highway will be completed.
He pointed out that JBN was not sidelined from the ministry’s contracts but they are still working for the ministry on other road projects like the Bodo-Bonny road, some major bridges in Lagos, and other places in Nigeria.
The minister commended the new leadership of the company for aligning with the policies of the ministry and respecting professional engineering standards.
Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of Messrs Infiouest International (Nig.) Limited, Mr. Joseph Abougaoude disclosed that the company started the project without receiving mobilisation fees because of its credibility and trust in the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He promised to deliver the contract according to agreed standards and on record time.
Abougaoude acknowledged the minister's proactive leadership, promising not to renege on the agreement.
He said: "I take this project as a challenge and accept my role in ensuring its success. I am fully committed to this project and will push ahead to meet expectations."
This was contained in a press statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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