Nigeria’s Ministry of Works has announced the approval of N366 million for the repair of damaged sections along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
This vital road, currently under rehabilitation six years after the contract was awarded to Julius Berger construction company, has been plagued by potholes and craters. These deteriorations have posed significant risks to motorists, leading to accidents and causing delays for commuters.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry revealed that the temporary palliative works will focus on Section 1 of the highway, from Zuba to Tafa Local Government Area in Niger State. The contractor has been given two weeks to complete the repairs.
The scope of the contract includes filling potholes and restoring critically damaged sections of the road, with a total approved sum of N366 million.
“The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd, mobilised to site on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The contract for the Section I of the Expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna states’ border) with a two weeks completion period.
“The scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment. And the approved contract sum is N366 million,” the statement said.
During an inspection of the project on Saturday, October 5, 2024, Directors of Highways for North Central Zone I, Engr. Mohammed Goni, and Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to strictly adhere to the contract terms, emphasising that no extension of the completion deadline would be considered.
They described the repairs as essential for boosting economic activity, given the importance of this highway in connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country.
Engr. Goni also assured that after the successful completion of this section, the remaining damaged parts from Tafa to Kaduna will be addressed. He stressed the government’s commitment to providing key road infrastructure.
Lawrence Emmanuel, the project supervisor from H&M (Nig.) Ltd, confirmed that work has commenced, with the cutting and shaping of damaged areas already reaching Dikko Junction in Niger State. The asphalting of these sections is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 7, 2024.
He noted that while heavy traffic on the road is slowing the pace of work, the team is still on track to meet the project deadline.