By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi says the new timeline of 24 months (2 years) for the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway was adopted following some agreement reached with the contractor – Julius Berger Construction Plc.
Umahi had stated during his inspection tour of the 375 kilometres (km) project at the weekend that all sections would be completed in 24 months.
Accompanied by the the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, Umahi blamed the delay on lack of fund, but assured of government’s commitment to completion of the road in good time with the new arrangement in place.
According to the Minister, Julius Berger has agreed to complete 15km daily, and that was the main reason why the new date was agreed on.
“We are looking at 24 months to finish the project, it can only be Berger that will finish in 24 months, so with assured financing model by the Minister of Finance, it will be completed.”
He explained that the total length from Abuja to Kaduna is 165km out of which 45km had been completed while 120 is being worked on.
“The total road length is 375km which is equivalent to 750km of single lane. Now, Kaduna to Zaria is completed. We have only 20km left between Zaria and Kano.”
“We are looking at redesigning it, to add concrete pavement. Already the contractor is aware. I know we have some differences in terms of reviewing the contract price, but we have sorted all that out and I’m happy we have progressed.
“We have sent the geotechnical team to re-examine the strength of the subgrade.”
He averred that funding was no longer an issue for the contractor as the government had approved N17bn, adding that other finances would be approved in due course.
Speaking, the Finance Minster, Edu, said, “As the Coordinating Minister of the economy in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are here to get commitment from the contractor and encourage them.”
He noted that Infrastructure is a critical priority of this administration and a source of getting food prices down through good and easy transportation of agriculture products.
“We are headed for a dry season and, eventually the harvest season, and we want the goods to move freely across the country. That will bring down food prices; that will bring down inflation, and then stabilise the economy,” Edu said.