BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
As part of its agenda to improve national connectivity and economic growth, the Federal Government has renewed hope for communities in Plateau State through strategic road interventions.
This manifested at the commissioning of completed emergency road interventions and inspection of ongoing Lafia–Shendam road and Babban Lamba–Sharram road projects in the state.
It was done in continuation of the Federal Ministry of Works national media tour of the North Central region, aimed at showcasing completed emergency repairs and ongoing road projects, while highlighting its commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
Upon assumption of office in May, 2023, the APC-led administration inherited 2,064 ongoing Federal road projects, many of which were abandoned due to funding constraints.
Committed to the welfare of Nigerians, the Federal Government approved 260 emergency projects nationwide, prioritising critically failed sections of the network to restore connectivity, enhance safety, and make it easier to move goods, services, and people across the country.
The project was commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo on behalf of the minister.
Pwaspo emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to not only initiating projects but ensuring their timely completion in line with approved specifications.
She noted that improved road infrastructure remains critical to sustainable development.
Providing technical details on the projects, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu highlighted the commissioned interventions as reinstatement of embankment washouts of a culvert and bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande), along the Shendam–Lafia road, covering chainage 38+000 to 38+200 (culvert washout) and chainage 30+250 (bridge washout).
He said that the project, which was awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and was completed within few months, thereby restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor.
At another location along the same Lafia–Shendam alignment, undertaken to address structural failure, prevent erosion, and enhance hydraulic capacity, Shua’ibu informed that the repairs involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert beside an existing 2.0m x 1.5m single-cell, including asphalt overlay works, at chainage 1+500.
The controller also took the team to the site of an ongoing construction, explaining that the work covers a 16-kilometre stretch from Lafia–Shendam road junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns.
He further revealed that an additional 7-kilometre Section II of the project is undergoing procurement processes.
Shua’ibu disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at approximately ₦16 billion, with a completion period of 15 months.
While noting that the project already attained about 52 percent completion, he pointed out that earlier challenges, including funding-related issues, have been resolved and the project is now progressing well.
The Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project in line with approved specifications and timelines.
He commended the Federal ministry of works for consistent technical supervision and the host communities for their cooperation and patience.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe described the Lafia–Shendam junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut road as a route to endless possibilities, noting the positive impact on accessing farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities.
The tour also covered the construction of Babban Lamba–Sharram road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking Babban Lamba and Sharram communities in the state.
Although initially projected as a rehabilitation project, the FCW noted that the scope involves the construction of a new flexible pavement, including side clearance, earthworks, sub-base, and stone base layers.
He said that while the contract was awarded in 2018 with a completion period of 24 months, progress had earlier been stalled due to funding challenges.
But with the minister's intervention, the contractor was fully remobilised to the site, with active construction ongoing from the Sharram end, using multiple construction teams (gangs) and equipment spread across sections of the corridor, according to Shua’ibu.
The Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth noted that the road, with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of 2.75 metres on both sides, is expected to reduce travel time between communities, cutting journeys that previously took nearly two hours to about 20 minutes.
He added that the project includes multiple bridge structures within the corridor and that construction activities are ongoing at both road and bridge locations, with strong cooperation from the host communities.
The Site Agent for the project, Engr. Augustine Imiere stated that the Babban Lamba–Sharram road is designed to open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and improve socio-economic activities across connected communities and beyond.
He disclosed that the project comprises hydraulic structures, drainage facilities, and five bridges, including multi-span ones at different locations, expressing excitement with the continued support from the communities.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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