FGN Begins Phased Palliative Works on Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway
By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Ministry of Works, has commenced emergency repairs of failed portions of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway.
The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd mobilised to site on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024, a statement issued on Sunday, signed by the director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed, has revealed.
According to the statement, the contract for the Section I of the Expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border) with a two (2) weeks completion period.
The scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment. And the approved contract sum is N366 million (Three Hundred and Sixty-Six Million Naira).
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, 5th October, 2024, the directors, Highways, North Central Zone I, Engr. Mohammed Goni, and Special Projects (North), Engr Olufemi Adetunji urged the contractor to adhere with the terms of the contract, noting that no extension of the completion period would be entertained.
They described the project as a catalyst to economic growth and a vital artery connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
Engr Goni promised Nigerians that with the successful completion of the contract, the remaining failed parts from Tafa – Kaduna will also be awarded, reiterating the resolve of the present administration to the provision of critical road infrastructure.
The Project Supervisor, H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, disclosed that work was ongoing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions reaching Dikko Junction in Niger State, while the asphalting of the cut points was expected to start on Monday, 7th October, 2024.
He promised that the project would be delivered on schedule, even as he complained about the high volume of traffic on the road, slowing down the pace of work.
Also on the inspection visit was the Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr Yakubu Usman, who promised daily inspections and diligent supervision of the project while it lasts.
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SUMMIT POST reports that contract for the reconstruction of the 375.9 kilometres Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway was awarded in 2018 by the federal government for an initial completion period of three years, but still ongoing today due to prevailing socio-economic factors such as insecurity and increase in cost of materials.
The ‘Trunk A’ Abuja-Kaduna Highway links the Southern part of the country with the North West and North East geopolitical zones, and serves as the major artery for the movement of people, goods and services.
With the current show of commitment by the Senator David Umahi-led Ministry of Works to completing the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road reconstruction project in fulfillment of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is hoped motorist will soon begin to enjoy ride along the entire stretch of that corridor with enduring smile.