Federal Gov’ts Intervention Reconnect Plateau Communities

The Federal Government has commissioned the Lafia-Shendam Road and the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, both emergency intervention road projects in Plateau State.

Both roads were commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs Ayiku Pwaspo, on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

Mrs Ayiku emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment not only to initiating projects but also to ensuring their timely completion in line with approved specifications, noting that improved road infrastructure remains critical to sustainable development.

A statement by the Director of Press at the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, said the projects are part of sustained efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve national connectivity and economic growth.

According to the statement, President Tinubu, upon assumption of office in May 2023, inherited 2,064 ongoing federal road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding constraints.

He said the Federal Government, in response, approved 260 emergency projects nationwide, prioritising critical sections of the network that were failing to restore connectivity, enhance safety, and make it easier to move goods, services, and people across the country.

Providing technical details on the projects, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu stated that among the commissioned interventions was the Reinstatement of Embankment Washouts of a Culvert and Bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande), along the Shendam–Lafia Road, covering Chainage 38+000 to 38+200 (culvert washout) and Chainage 30+250 (bridge washout).

According to him, the project, awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and was completed within a few months, thereby restoring safe, uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor.

At another location along the same Lafia–Shendam alignment, undertaken to address structural failure, prevent erosion, and enhance hydraulic capacity, he informed that the repairs involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert beside an existing 2.0m x 1.5m single-cell, including asphalt overlay works, at Chainage 1+500.

The Controller explained that the work covers a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road Junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns.

He further revealed that an additional 7-kilometre Section II of the project is currently undergoing procurement.

He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at a contract sum of approximately ₦16 billion, with a completion period of 15 months, and has currently attained about 52 per cent completion, noting that earlier challenges, including funding-related issues, have been resolved and the project is now progressing well.

The Project Manager, Mr Nakhle Abou Yaounde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project, in line with approved specifications and timelines, while commending the Federal Ministry of Works for consistent technical supervision and the host communities for their cooperation and patience.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities during the exercise, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as a “road to endless possibilities,” noting its positive impact on access to farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities, and assured the Federal Government of continued community support.

Speaking on the project, the Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth noted that the road, with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of 2.75 metres on both sides, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between communities, cutting journeys that previously took nearly two hours to about 20 minutes. He added that the project includes multiple bridge structures within the corridor and that construction activities are ongoing at both road and bridge locations, with strong cooperation from the host communities.

Similarly, the Site Agent for the project, Engr. Augustine Imiere stated that the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road is designed to open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and improve socio-economic activities across connected communities and beyond. He disclosed that the project includes hydraulic structures, drainage facilities, and five bridges, including multi-span ones at different locations, and expressed confidence that with continued support from the Ministry and cooperation from the communities, the project would be delivered soon.