- The Federal Ministry of Works approved N366 million for repairing damaged sections of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, focusing on temporary fixes
- The contractor has a two-week deadline to complete repairs, with emphasis on the importance of the highway for economic growth
The Federal Ministry of Works has approved a budget of N366 million to repair damaged sections of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The road, which has been under rehabilitation since Julius Berger’s contract was awarded six years ago, has developed potholes and craters, posing significant risks to motorists and causing accidents and delays.
According to a statement from the ministry on Sunday, the repair works will serve as a temporary fix, focusing on Section 1 of the road, which runs from Zuba to Tafa Local Government Area in Niger State. The contractor has been given a two-week deadline to complete the repairs.
The ministry explained, “The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, was mobilized to the site on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The contract covers Section I of the expressway, starting at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ending at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna states’ border), with a two-week completion period.”
The project’s scope includes filling potholes and repairing critically damaged parts of the road. The total approved contract sum is N366 million.
During an inspection of the project on Saturday, October 5, 2024, Engr. Mohammed Goni, Director of Highways (North Central Zone I), and Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, Director of Special Projects (North), urged the contractor to stick to the contract terms, noting that no deadline extension will be allowed.
They emphasized the project’s importance as a key route connecting the country’s northern and southern regions and a driver of economic growth.
Engr. Goni assured that repairs on the remaining damaged portions from Tafa to Kaduna will also be awarded once this section is completed. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing critical road infrastructure.
The project supervisor from H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Emmanuel, reported that work is progressing, with the cutting and shaping of the damaged sections nearing Dikko Junction in Niger State. Asphalt laying on these sections will begin on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Despite challenges caused by the heavy traffic on the road, which has slowed the pace of work, Emmanuel promised that the project would be completed on schedule.
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