- The minister confirmed that 40 kilometres of the dual carriageway would be constructed using rigid pavement (concrete) for durability and sustainability.
- Umahi praised Messrs Infiouest International (Nig.) Limited for making significant progress within a month despite.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has stated that contractors handling federal road projects must commence work for two weeks before mobilisation fees are released.
He emphasised that, moving forward, only contractors with a history of delivering quality projects on schedule would be considered for new contracts by the government.
According to Umahi, this measure is to ensure road projects are not abandoned midway by uncooperative contractors who fail to complete their assignments.
He made this statement yesterday while inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, specifically Section I, which covers Abuja to Kaduna.
The section under inspection starts from the Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and extends to the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, including an additional four kilometres.
Forty kilometres of this road project will be constructed using rigid pavement (concrete) to enhance durability and ensure long-term sustainability.
The minister praised Messrs Infiouest International (Nig.) Limited for demonstrating its ability to complete quality projects, considering its progress within a month of signing the contract.
Umahi said: “This is without being paid the initial 30 per cent mobilisation fee as against what has been the previous practice.”
He reiterated that requiring contractors to be on-site and working for two weeks before receiving mobilisation fees is crucial for sustainable project execution.
Commending the contractor’s work, he urged resident engineers nationwide to ensure proper composition of stone base, maintaining structural integrity on all ongoing road projects.
While stressing that a standard stone base should consist of 70 per cent stone and 30 per cent dust, the minister said: “Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure.”
He also reaffirmed that the Abuja-Kano dual carriageway remains a priority for the President due to its strategic role in linking Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
He highlighted that the road is crucial for trade, providing a direct connection to neighbouring nations like Cameroun, Niger, and the Benin Republic.
Umahi assured that the remaining portion of the alignment, Section III (Zaria-Kano), would soon be approved and awarded to a suitable contractor.
He advised that reinforced concrete overlays on underlying structures should be completed before the rainy season begins to avoid unnecessary delays.
It should be noted that this project was previously delayed for years by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc before the ministry terminated the contract.
Speaking further, Umahi said: “This project is the heartbeat of the President because of its economic value. We are committed to ensuring its timely completion, and by the first week of March, we will begin laying an eight-inch, continuous reinforced concrete pavement.”
“The federal government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule.”
He issued a warning that companies unwilling to adhere to international road construction standards must either comply or withdraw from future government contracts.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the construction firm, Mr. Joseph Abougaoude, explained that his company began work without mobilisation fees because of its competence.
Abougaoude expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, stating that the company fully supports his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He assured timely project completion, saying: “My promise is that I will not let you down. I take this project as a challenge and accept my role in ensuring its success. I am fully committed to this project and will push ahead to meet expectations.”
While responding to reporters’ questions on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and Julius Berger’s role in ministry contracts, Umahi provided some clarifications.
He confirmed that the first section of the Lagos-Calabar highway would be completed before the end of the year as scheduled.
He added that Julius Berger remains engaged with the ministry, handling projects such as the Bodo-Bonny Road, key Lagos bridges, and other nationwide infrastructure projects.
Umahi commended the company’s new leadership for aligning with government policies and maintaining adherence to professional engineering standards in ongoing projects.
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