By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has flagged off the completion of the dualisation of the 375.5 kilometres (kms) Abuja- Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Highway in North-West geo-political zone of the country, even as it launches a nationwide road remediation programme tagged ‘Operation Free Our Roads’.
Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi performed the flag-off of both, during which the 38km dual carriageway section of the road was handed over to Dangote Group of Companies at chainage 0+000 Zuba at the weekend.
Works immediately resumed on the dualisation of the uncompleted sections of the Highway, according to a statement signed by the Minister’s media aide, Barr. Orji Orji.
Speaking during the flag – off and handover ceremony, Umahi charged the three companies handling the three sections of the project to show absolute devotion to the completion of the project, noting that the ministry would look at the need for project rate review to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given that the last review was done about 9 months ago.
He said, “So the first section is 38 kilometres by two, which is 76 kilometres. The work is starting today, with palliatives and earthworks, and then they will now start to put reinforced concrete pavement”
The Minister used the opportunity to launch the federal government’s ‘Operation Free our Roads’ initiative which is aimed at making sure that all the federal roads under rehabilitation are made motorable starting from this rainy season.
He said, “.So we are using this as a point of contact to flag off Free our Roads all over the country. And so, they will use stone base to put and free all the potholes. In failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways. Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently walk on one carriageway.
He emphasised the need for the Ministry’s engineers to take the task seriously, including those of FERMA saying, “And this operation, Free Our Roads, is not only for the Ministry of Works, but also for FERMA. We’re going to put our eyes, all the directors, and all the zonal engineers of FERMA must take this thing very seriously.”
While at the section handled by Julius Berger Plc, the Minister commended the contractor for already starting work and doing a good job, noting that the federal government expected the entire project to be completed and delivered by May 2025.
He said, “So what we will be discussing with Berger is what can we do to finish this job within May 29th. This is very important because we don’t want to stay here beyond May 29th, 2025. And so what Berger cannot finish, we would have to take it over and give to Dangote under Tax Credit and for reinforced concrete pavement.”