The Federal Government has commended the speed of contractors undertaking the rehabilitation of the 199.50 kilometre Kaduna-Pamaeguwa-Jos road which is at 18 per cent completion.
Mr Folorunsho Esan, the Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) gave the commendation at the inspection of the Rehabilitation of 199.50 kilometres Kaduna-Pamaeguwa-Jos Road in Kaduna and Plateau states on Thursday in Kaduna.
According to him, the contractor is working and they have achieved a lot within the little time they’ve been on site and they have only being here for 10 months.
“The quality of work is satisfactory, we have 35 kilometres of binder and if you do not look properly you would think the job is finished. We are still expecting another layer on top.18 per cent work is done currently.
” When you think of the time of completion, you would think of the funding that is available, the funding has to match the time frame and we are trying with what we have to ensure that the project is completed within the next 12 months.
“It involves the provision of the existing 199.50 kilometres asphaltic concrete single carriage way as main alignment in Kaduna and Plateau states with Spur from Saminaka to Bauchi border.
“It also involves the maintenance of existing bridges along the road with difference spans.The contractor of the project Setraco Big Ltd, complained that security was the main challenge confronting the project.
Esan said although many things were competing for the same funds but government was doing all it could to ensure that the project is completed in good time.
On his part, Mr Adebayo Taiwo, Director, Highway North-West, commenting on the importance of the road said it’s viable economically to the nation.
“This road cut across how many states, starting from kaduna and going towards jos border and there is also a spur to bauchi. So there is a lot of economic impact.
” Agricultural areas and all those things are involved, and the rural communities too are well connected. You can see that there is a particular location we passed now, where there is a settlement, with drainage.
“That makes them easily accessible to kaduna and if they want to go to jos too they can easily connect to agricultural products and economic value.” Taiwo said.
Speaking on the monitoring of the project, Taiwo said there are delegated officials that monitor the work to ensure that standards are not compromised.
He said though there were security challenges the contractor with the support of the ministry had taken steps to ensure safety of staff and equipment.
Mr Mustafa Janet, Project Manager, Setraco, in charge of the project said they had no issue with funding and the company has the support of the communities in the area.
” All the communities are cooperating with us and by the grace of God we will deliver the work on time. We continue with the regular funding and with the help and support of the nearby communities.
“If there is regular funding and there is no more challenge, as technical issues with the project and we keep having the support of the communities and the federal ministry of works, we will deliver the work on time.
” You know when rainy season comes we have to reduce the speed of work to deliver the best quality for the work.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project which has 24 months for completion date is valued at over N38 billion, commenced on Jan.27, 2021 is expected to be completed by Jan. 26, 2023. It’s funded via the SUKUK fund.
NAN also reports that the inspection is part of a 2-day inspection that includes Section II Kaduna -Zaria interchange.(NAN)
