FG spends N366m to repair failed portions on Abuja-Kaduna highway

The Federal Ministry Works has said that it has approved the sum of N366million to repair failed portions on 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 grave danger to motorists, leading to accidents and delays for those plying 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 site on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024. The contract for the 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.

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“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 to 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.”

The project supervisor, H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, disclosed that work is  ongoing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions reaching Dikko Junction in Niger State, while the asphalting of the cut points is expected to start on Monday, 7th October, 2024.

While complaining about the high volume of traffic on the road, which is slowing the pace of work, he promised its delivery on the scheduled date.