Work has commenced on the Keffi Flyover and Underpass in Nasarawa State: another landmark initiative in the series of legacy projects being embarked upon by the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration.
With the Lafia Flyover and Underpass completed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last month, Gov Sule, penultimate week, performed the groundbreaking for that of Keffi.
This is even as the Akwanga Flyover and Underpass is nearing completion. Described as a beacon of progress and innovation, the flyover and underpass, even before its completion, has greatly enhanced the aesthetic transformation of Akwanga, making it a modern, well-organised town with enhanced urban appeal.
Like those of Lafia and Akwanga, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Board, Engr Wada Yahaya Adamus, said the Keffi Flyover and Underpass boasts of cutting-edge engineering design that would ensure durability, efficiency and safety.
The project, estimated at N11.5bn, comprises a 100m overhead bridge. The flyover, which is being executed by Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited, is expected to be completed within 12 months, with no room for cost variation, according to the project‘s agreement.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Gov Sule said the essence of the project, apart from serving as a strategic intervention to address longstanding infrastructural deficit, was aimed at checking incessant accidents on the busy Keffi corridor.
“This project is a response to the tragic accident that occurred here last year which claimed the lives of our sons. We must begin to think of engineering solutions that would reduce the frequency of such unfortunate incidents,” he said.
Engr Adamus also confirmed that the key motivation for the project was an accident that occurred at the spot some time in 2024.
“A lot of lives and properties were lost as a result of accidents at this particular spot. His Excellency may recall his directive early 2024 that the NUDB should, as a matter of urgency and necessity, search for a lasting solution to the frequent accidents we have been experiencing at this point in Keffi. We quickly engaged the services of experienced engineers, both local and expatriates, and came up with the idea of the overpass,” he explained.
He disclosed that, in line with the policy thrust of the administration, the Governor approved N600m as compensation for individuals affected by the project, with all parties already compensated.
The governor commended the State Ministry of Works and the NUDB for coming up with the design of the project.
He equally appreciated the contractor handling the project for accepting to execute in one year according to specifications and without price variation whatsoever.
“I strongly believe that we squeezed him so much. At such a difficult time that we are taking 900m, also at a slope, which is a major challenge for engineering work. And for agreeing to do this job in 12 months at N11, 45,195,480 with an agreement that there is no variation whatsoever. The benefits derivable from this project are not only to the benefit of the good people of Nasarawa State, but the country at large,” he said.
He further said all the processes leading to the award of the contract were done in accordance with due process and diligence, having first obtained permission from the Federal Ministry of Works to allow Nasarawa State to undertake the project.
On his part, the Managing Director of Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Limited, Engr Ihab Serhal, commended Gov Sule for his vision and commitment to the infrastructural development of the state.
“You are not just building roads and bridges; you are building a future. We are honoured to be part of this journey. I thank you deeply for your trust. We pledge to deliver this project with the highest standards of quality, professionalism and speed worthy of the new Nasarawa that you are shaping,” he said.
For the hosts, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada and the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, it was time for tributes for a quintessential leader who ensures equity and fairness in the distribution of the dividends of democracy across all the zones in the state.
They praised him for the transformative wave of infrastructural development aimed at fostering economic prosperity, enhancing urban mobility and improving the lives of citizens.
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