The federal government has approved the redesigning of 127 km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway section 1 and awarded it to Hi-Tech Africa Construction Ltd.
Section 1 (Abuja-Kaduna), hitherto awarded to Julius Berger Plc, was revoked recently due to non-performance.
A statement by the Director Information Ministry of Works Mohammed Ahmed said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved that the remaining 127 kilometres of the Rehabilitation of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano dual carriageway, Section I (Abuja – Kaduna) be redesigned using continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) instead of the present asphaltic one.
He said the contract, divided into three sections, was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC on 20th December, 2017 at an initial sum of N155, 748,178,425.50 with a completion period of thirty-six (36) months.
However, only Section II (Kaduna—Zaria) has been completed and partly handed over, with Section III (Zaria—Kano) partially completed. Section I remained in a deplorable state worsened by continuous wear and tear and the vagaries of weather.
He said the President in order to ameliorate the suffering of road users on the alignment approved that the section be redesigned and re-scoped.
“It was divided into two phases with Section I, Phase 1, covering 38 kilometres, redesigned to be built with CRCP (ragid/concrete pavement) and awarded to Messrs Dangote Industries Ltd., who subcontracted it to Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Ltd,” he said.
He explained that, the Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi due to the slow pace of work and abandonment of the remaining 127 kilometres, considering the plight of road users and, most importantly, its socioeconomic impact as a gateway to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the North continuously engaged the company to accept the final reviewed contract sum and remobilise to site.
The statement said the lackadaisical approach to the project by the company, despite several variations and augmentations, prompted the Ministry to convey the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for a Final Offer of a reviewed contract sum of N740, 797, 204, 173.25.
“They were asked to accept the offer within seven (7) days or the contract will be terminated. The ultimatum expired yesterday, 4th November, 2024 and the company had already been served a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract.
The minister had hinted, at different fora, that if Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc are not willing to continue with the project at the agreed amount, they may as well come out plain, as the ministry is ready to do it on concrete, while maintaining the same quality with that of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway or the Apapa – Oworonshoki Expressway, which is built to last for between 50 – 100 years”.
According to the minister President Tinubu, “is very worried about the stalemate on the remaining section of this very important road and is eager to see it resolved for work to commence in earnest.”
