The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi (CON) has reassured the people of the North and Nigerians of the commitment of the FG to the completion of the Abuja –Kaduna dual carriageway by 2024.
Umahi disclosed this while speaking to journalists during the inspection of the highway as directed by Mr. President who, according to him, is so passionate about the completion of the road as it will alleviate the suffering and travel time of commuters plying the road.
This was contained in a statement signed by, Blessing Lere -Adams, the Director of Information, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ministry.
The Minister added that the road is very important to Mr. President and he is committed to finishing it by 2024, adding that he will match his words with action.
The section 1 of the highway which is 165.5km is part of the 375.4 kilometer Abuja-Kaduna –Zaria-Kano project awarded to Messers Julius Berger Nigeria PLc in 2018 by the previous administration but is yet to be completee like other sections of the road due to insecurity and criminal activities.
The Minister who decried any form of wastage of funds or delay during construction work stressed that there should be a meaningful reason for any change in the approved design of a project to take place.
Umahi emphasised the need to quicken the approval process of payments for contractors and not make contractors go to site when payments have not been made to them.
The Minister who acknowledged the central role of security in the progress of any nation has assured Nigerians that this administration will do everything within available means to provide security for lives and properties on the roads.
He promised that efforts will be made to provide solar light on the completed sections of the road for the safety of road users and its environs if the contingency funds are available.
The Minister encouraged the use of concrete road pavement as an alternative to the use of asphalt in road construction describing it as durable and cheaper.
He urged citizens to take responsibility for FG projects in their states by protecting them rather than looting and vandalising them as government cannot protect them.
The Director Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folunsho Esan and the Director Highway North Central Engr. Bola Aganaba, all promised to monitor closely from now on the progress of work going on the road and also to meet with the deadline.
Responding, the Project Manager Messers Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd, represented by Engr. Dwsdowki Finn, expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his visit and encouragement. He stated that the project is their major project in the country and will continue to do their best to maintain the standard and deliver the project at the scheduled time.
The Minister was accompanied on the inspection by Senators Lawal Usman representative Kaduna Central and Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North. The Federal Controller of Works in Kaduna State, Engr. Ibrahim Mmadu and Eng. Usman Yakubu were also in the entourage.
The Minister also before leaving Kaduna state paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kaduna state who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state.
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