The Federal Ministry of Works has said that it has approved the sum of N366 million to repair failed portions of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The highway, which is undergoing rehabilitation six years after its contract was given to Julius Berger construction company, has potholes and craters that have continued to pose a grave danger to motorists, leading to accidents and delays for those playing it.
The ministry, in a statement on Sunday, said the temporary palliative will cover section 1 of the road, from Zuba to Tafa Local Government Area in Niger State with the contractor given two weeks to complete the job.
“The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, mobilised to the site on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024. The contract for Section I of the Expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna states’ border) with a two weeks completion period.
“The scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment. And the approved contract sum is N366 million.“
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, 5th October 2024, the Directors, Highways, North Central Zone I, Engr. Mohammed Goni and Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to adhere to the terms of the contract, as no extension of the completion period will be entertained.
They described the project as a catalyst for economic growth on a vital artery connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
Engr. Goni promised that with the successful completion of the contract, the remaining failed parts from Tafa-Kaduna will also be awarded, reiterating the “resolve of the present administration to the provision of critical road infrastructure.”
