The Federal Government commitment to sustainable infrastructure development has continued to attract the widespread commendation from key stakeholders in the road sector.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, alongside members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Also, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the host communities, and road users gave the accolades during a media tour and the commissioning of Projects in Kaduna State on Monday.
Speaking during the inspection tour, the SSA-P assured Nigerians that “the quality of work being executed is of such a standard that the roads will outlive us.”
He praised the Works Ministry and the contractors for their strict adherence to approved engineering standards and for aligning project execution with Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Yakasai also commissioned three Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the State which includes: the Repairs of Taban Sani Road (4.5km) in Makarfi Local Government Area; Sabo Rail Bridge to Command Junction Road and Mahuta Army Post-Service Housing Scheme road in Chikun Local Government Area.
He disclosed that the project was rescoped from a flexible asphaltic pavement to a continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices, to achieve enhanced durability, improved road safety, and reduced vehicular maintenance costs.
Providing technical insights into the project, the Senior Project Manager of Infiouest International Construction Limited, Engr. Robert Turner stated that it involves the pulverisation of the existing pavement, the reinstatement of the stone base, the use of steel reinforcement, and the placement of high-strength concrete.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kaduna Branch, Engr. Muhammadu Ibrahim, alongside another member, Engr. Arege Samson Bawa, affirmed that the project complies with professional and engineering standards.
They commended the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi for prioritising quality, professionalism, and the active participation of Nigerian Engineers in the execution of projects.
Similarly, the Project Manager of Messrs Eksiogullari Construction (Nig.) Limited, Engr. Salihu Yunusa on Kaduna Eastern Bypass Project, noted that upon completion of Rabah Road Interchange, traffic flow would significantly improve, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity within Kaduna State and other parts of the North West Zone.
Representatives of the Contractor handling the Western Bypass, Messrs Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited and the Financiers of the project, the Dangote Group, led by Engr. Jonathan Obrusu of Dangote, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure in support of national development.
The project is being funded under the Federal Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government.
He noted that road users and members of the public have continued to attest to the high standard of work being carried out.
The Team was also at the Mararraba – Pambeguwa Road, where the FCW and the Project Manager, Setraco (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Moustapha Jaber confirmed that the project is 98% completed and will soon be commissioned, though it has since been opened to vehicular traffic.
In his closing remarks at the end of the Tour and Commissioning Ceremonies, the SSA-P commended all stakeholders for their collaboration and reassured communities of Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable, safe, and impactful road infrastructure across the State, the North-West, and the nation, at large.