Federal Government through the Works Ministry has decided that going follow, every contractor must be at the site and working for at least two weeks before the mobilisation fee is paid, saying this will enhance sustainable project development and delivery.
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi made the declaration while inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja-Kaduna – Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, that starts from the Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ends at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna.
Umahi, who hailed Infiouest (Nig.) Ltd handling the the project for its capacity to deliver quality jobs on record time, insisted that only contractors, who can deliver are needed to work on Nigeria roads, adding that this will guarantee road projects are not abandoned.
Commending the quality of work, the Minister urged Resident Engineers/ Engineer’s Representatives on other projects, across the country, to be vigilant in ensuring that the correct composition of the stone base is achieved.
He stressed that a standard stone base must contain at least 70% stone, hence the name and 30% dust. “Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure,” he observed.
Umahi also reiterated that the Abuja-Kano Dual Carriageway is so dear to President’s heart, being a vital corridor linking the North to the southern parts of the country, as well as neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Niger, and Benin Republics. While promising that the remaining portion of the entire alignment, Section III (Zaria-Kano), which is at the Kano end of the project, soon be approved awarded, he advised that reinforced concrete overlay be completed on the underlying structures before the commencement of the rainy season.
“It would be recalled that this was the project that was unnecessarily delayed for many years by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC (JBN) and courageously terminated by the Ministry, some months ago, Umahi explained.
“This project is the heartbeat of Mr. President because of its economic value. We are committed to ensuring its timely completion, and by first week of March, we will begin laying an eight-inch continuous reinforced concrete pavement,” the Minister stated. He reiterated that “The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule.”
He added that interested companies must adhere to international standards and recommended practices in road construction or exit the scene.
The Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of the construction firm, Joseph Abougaoude disclosed that the company took the challenge to start work without any payment of mobilisation because it is capable, most importantly, its belief in the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He promised to deliver the contract following standards and on record time. He went further to acknowledge the Minister’s proactive leadership, adding “My promise is that I will not let you down. I take this project as a challenge and accept my role in ensuring its success. I am fully committed to this project and will push ahead to meet expectations.”
