Abuja-Kaduna Road Project: Minister Hails Quality, Pace Of Work, announces New Mobilisation Policy
By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, has commended the quality and speed of work on the rehabilitation of Section I (the Abuja-Kaduna corridor) of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway.
Umahi who expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during an inspection visit to the site at the weekend also expressed confidence in the capability of Messrs Infiouest International (Nig.) Ltd, the new contractors handling the project, to deliver according to specifications and on time.
Recall that the contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna section was revoked from Julius Berger Plc amidst disagreement over pricing, and re-awarded to Infiouest mid January.
Under the new arrangement, Infiouest was to resume and work for 30 days to have its mobilisation paid, and during the Minister’s visit, a lot had been accomplished to a point where the next phase is the application of concrete, to be done in the next couple of days.
The Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) starts from the Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ends at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Capital with an additional four kilometres, kms, from Zuba towards Gwagwalada on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. Accordingly, 40 kms (dual) will be on rigid pavement (concrete).
The hinted that the new policy of the ministry is that henceforth, contractors are to mobilise and start working on site for a minimum of 30 days before being paid the mobilisation sum of 30 per cent, assuring Infiouest that mobilisation would be applied for shortly for them to get their money.
According to the Minister, it shows their capacity to deliver projects on schedule.
“l am satisfied with the speed of work. has not been paid a kobo, but they have been working on-site. This is the new policy of the Ministry of Works.
“The moment you sign your agreement, you have to mobilise and be on-site for a minimum of 30 days, doing permanent work before you get mobilisation,” Umahi said, adding “Now we will apply for the 30 per cent mobilisation.
“This project is the heartbeat of President Bola Tinubu because of its economic value,” he said. “It is the gateway to all the northern states, and from there, you can go to Cameroon, Niger Republic, and beyond.”
The minister also disclosed that Section 2 of the road will be taken to the Federal Executive Council on Monday, 3rd March.
“I do not know which contractor would be picked, but we have a lot of qualified contractors. With God’s help, we will get it approved,” he added.
He noted that the federal government had several other projects ready for commissioning nationwide.
While fielding questions from newsmen on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the status of Julius Berger vis-a-vis contract with the ministry, Umahi confirmed that before the end of the year, the entire first section of the highway will be completed and that Julius Berger is not sidelined from the ministry’s contracts as they are still working on other road projects like the Bodo-Bonny Road, some major bridges in Lagos, as well as other places in Nigeria.
He commended the new leadership of the company for aligning with the policies of the ministry and respecting professional engineering standards.
On his part, the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, MD/CEO of Infiouest, Mr Joseph Abougaoude, disclosed that the company took the challenge to start the work without any payment of mobilisation fees because it is capable and, most importantly, its belief in the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Works for the confidence reposed in the company, assuring that Infiouest would continue to give its best.