The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced emergency repairs of the failed portions of the Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway.
The Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, M.A. Ahmed, explained in a press release Sunday that the measure was undertaken in order to bring succour to road users.
The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd mobilised to site on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
The contract for the Section I of the expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 at Zuba, FCT, and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 on the Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border, with a two-week completion period.
Ahmed said the scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment.
The approved contract sum is N366 million.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, 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, as no extension of the completion period will 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.
Goni promised Nigerians that with the successful completion of the contract, the remaining failed parts from Tafa to 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 is 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, October 7.
While complaining about the high volume of traffic on the road, which is slowing the pace of work, he promised its delivery on the scheduled date.
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.