The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed installing solar-powered lighting and closed-circuit TV surveillance on the reconstructed Abuja—Kaduna—Kano road.
Umahi stated this on Sunday during the flag-off ceremony to reconstruct the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna).
UMahi, in a statement by the Ministry‘s Spokesperson Mohammed Ahmed, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre Expressway with continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) would be completed within 14 months.
“This critical road, vital to the socio-economic life of Northern Nigeria, is being awarded at N777 billion,“ he said.
According to the Minister, the road’s standard, when completed, would be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, adding that the President has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
He revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.’’
Engr. Umahi also disclosed that the “President has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and Close Circuit TV surveillance ‘’throughout its stretch.’’
The Minister further stated that President Tinubu has ‘’awarded the completion of remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30% of this amount has been paid to the contracting firm. “Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion,” he said.
“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is constructing roads that will last 50 to 100 years,” he emphasised.
He commended Governor Uba Sani for his relentless efforts to ensure the project‘s success. He described him as “a smart Governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the President and the APC.”
Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. appreciated President Tinubu for his people-oriented leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country. “We see your numerous achievements, especially in the infrastructure from Illela -Sokoto to Lagos- Bagagry.
You have redefined road construction in Nigeria by adopting reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,“ he said.
Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the road corridor, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.
“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward, as the Government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the Company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,“ he added.
Also speaking at the event, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Distinguished Senator Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government‘s efforts at infrastructural development in the State.
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