The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced urgent repairs on deteriorating sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway, aiming to enhance the condition of the road for motorists.
The PUNCH reported that this initiative was detailed in a statement released on Sunday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations.Mohammed Ahmed.
In the statement, the contractor responsible for the repairs, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, was mobilized to the site on October 2, 2024.
This comes as a response to the growing concerns over the road’s condition, which serves as a critical link between the capital city, Abuja, and the northern regions of Nigeria.
Ahmed further clarified that the contract for the repair project pertains to Section I of the Expressway, stretching from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, within the Federal Capital Territory) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, located at the border of Niger and Kaduna States). The timeline set for completing the works is two weeks.
“The scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway. The approved contract sum is N366 million (Three Hundred and Sixty-Six Million Naira),” he confirmed, emphasizing the ministry’s determination to see the project completed swiftly and efficiently.
During a site inspection on Saturday, senior officials from the ministry, including the Director of Highways for the North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, pressed the contractor to strictly adhere to the contract terms.
They also stressed that no extensions would be granted for the completion period, signaling the administration’s firm stance on ensuring timely delivery.
Goni highlighted the significance of the Abuja-Kaduna route, describing it as a “vital artery” that connects the northern and southern regions of Nigeria. He noted the road’s strategic importance in facilitating economic activity, not only for regional trade but for the entire nation’s economy.
He assured that after the current contract is completed, additional repairs on the remaining damaged sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be prioritized, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving critical road infrastructure.
In his report, Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor for H&M (Nig.) Ltd, indicated that the team had already started work, focusing on cutting and shaping the damaged road portions, extending to the Dikko Junction in Niger State.
He announced that asphalt would begin to be laid on the repaired sections starting Monday.
Despite the progress, Emmanuel acknowledged that heavy traffic had posed challenges to the pace of work but expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated time.
Also present at the inspection was the Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Yakubu Usman, who reassured stakeholders that he would be conducting daily inspections to ensure diligent oversight throughout the duration of the project.
