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Tag: road project

  • Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    •Vows to ensure accountability

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Friday warned contractors responsible for the delayed construction of left-hand service carriageway of OSEX from Ring Road 1 (RRI) to Wasa Junction (15KM), expressing deep dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work.

    This is despite receiving over 80% of the contract payment. 

    Speaking during a site inspection in Abuja, Wike blasted the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for their failure to meet project milestones.

    “Very bad, I am not encouraged. As far as I am concerned, regarding this road, I am not happy,” Wike stated, visibly frustrated.

    Wike noted that despite promises of progress, the contractor had barely completed 50% of the work.

    The Minister said: “We have paid over 80 percent of this contract, and as far as I am concerned, they have not done the work.”

    Read Also: Niger Delta youths, ex-agitators distance selves from October 1 protest

    In response to the delays, Wike summoned the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC for an emergency meeting, ordering the contractor to commit to completing the project by May 2025.

    “Let them go and commit themselves and tell us by May they are going to finish this project. That’s the only way I am going to accept it,” Wike emphasized.

    The Apo-Karshi Road project is a critical infrastructural development meant to ease traffic congestion in Abuja and stimulate economic activities in the area.

    Wike stressed the importance of timely completion, noting that the road, once finished, would have a significant impact on reducing traffic bottlenecks and enhancing business operations.

    He also sent a clear message to underperforming contractors, stating that non-performers would face severe consequences.

    Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. If you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about whether you are an indigenous contractor or foreign contractor, we don’t care”.

    The FCT Minister underscored that contractors who fail to deliver on their promises would not only be terminated but also be required to pay back any funds received.

    Wike said: “You can’t just collect our money and think we will let you go. No. When we kick you out, we make you pay for it.”

    As Wike continues his push for accountability and transparency in the administration of the FCT’s projects, Abuja residents and commuters hope that his firm stance will bring about the timely completion of crucial infrastructure developments, starting with the Apo-Karshi road.

  • FG designs, explores Chinese funds for 4th legacy road project

    FG designs, explores Chinese funds for 4th legacy road project

    President Bola Tinubu is set to lead a Nigerian delegation to China to revive funding for the fourth legacy road project—the Akwanga–Jos– Bauchi–Gombe road, using the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction plus Finance (EPC+F) model, it was revealed on Thursday.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, hinted at this during a courtesy visit to Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, while on a working tour of road projects in the North West and North East zones.

    During the tour, the Minister visited the flood-damaged locations of Kano – Maiduguri Road, the dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road Section 3 (washout location at Buskuri town), the dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road Section 2 (at Sabon Gari village), the flooded area of Yana – Shiva – Azare road, the bridge along Bauchi – Gombe road and Ningi – Babaldu washout.

    The Minister also flagged off the construction of the Bauchi-Gombe road being handled by Triacta Nig Ltd.

    Read Also: FG warns contractors over delay on Enugu-Onitsha road project

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, the Minister informed the governor that as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration’s economic stimulus plans, the Federal Ministry of Works had designed the fourth Renewed Hope road infrastructure legacy project that passes through states of the North East known as the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road.

    He assured the governor that the government has no intention of abandoning the project as the financing mechanism has been prioritised.

    While emphasising the importance of the four Renewed Hope legacy projects, Umahi said projects were not only strategic in terms of seamless connectivity to the 6 Geo-Political Zones but also a strategic architectural master plan that would stimulate the economy of the nation through enhanced agriculture, job creation, regional integration, tourism, transportation ecosystem and industrialization.

  • Fed Govt raises review panels on N1.5tr works contract debts

    Fed Govt raises review panels on N1.5tr works contract debts

    The Federal Government has set up six committees to verify the authenticity of the N1.5 trillion debt it incurred on road construction across the six geo-political zones.

    A committee is assigned to each of the zones to examine outstanding certified certificate debts generated before and after May 29, 2023.

    The verification will begin tomorrow and end December 22, according to a statement by Uchenna Orji, Chief Press Secretary to Works Minister Dave Umahi.

    Orji explained that the committees were established after a budget defence session between Umahi and the ministry’s directors ahead of their appearance before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works.

    Orji,  who is also a former Ebonyi State Information Commissioner, revealed this shortly after a budget document made available to The Nation showed that the ministry proposes N215 billion for new road projects next year. 

    Orji said Umahi reaffirmed his commitment to road infrastructure development in line with President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda while defending the ministry’s 2023 and 2024 budgets before the joint committee.

    He said the minister expressed worry over the N1.5 trillion debts inherited from the previous administration.

    Highlighting the necessity for contract review in light of inflation, Orji urged the contractors owed by the Federal Government to engage the committee assigned to their zones for a thorough review. 

    The statement reads in part: “The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the ministry’s management.

    “The ministry has exposed these debts and all reviews in the ministry to Mr President’s economic team and also to the Federal Executive Committee on road sector funding.

    “It is believed that the internal works through these constituted committees will help them to use external consultants to reverify the works so that concrete decisions will be made to move the ministry forward.

    “Contractors who are being owed are requested to approach these committees with all documents to back up their claims from Tuesday 12th, 2023 to Friday, 22nd of December 2023 from 9 am to 7 pm at the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works, Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.”

    Out of the ministry’s  N547,553,626,765 estimates for road construction, repairs, and rehabilitation next year,   more than N179 billion is designated for new projects. The balance is for ongoing projects and personnel costs.

    In the proposal, the government allocated funds ranging from N1 million to N3 billion for the different projects.

    One of the new projects is the Lagos-Abuja Superhighway with a take-off sum of N500m.

    Others are the improvement of electricity supply to Shagari town, Sokoto state; improvement of electricity supply to Argungun-Yabo-Sokoto community, Yabo town Sokoto state; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure on Federal roads in Ado Iga road, Benue state; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure on federal roads in Ogbadibo lga, Benue state; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure along Zuba bypass; and provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure Zuba bypass, Dakiliko – Tungan Maje end.

    The provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure along Lafia East – Markudi expressway, Lafia end, Nassarawa State got allocation of N1 million budget.

    The proposal for new road projects in the Southwest includes the rehabilitation of old Ondo – Benin Road (Lagos garage to Epe garage), Ijebu Ode in Ogun State at N442 million; emergency repair of Elebu – new Garage Road (off old Lagos Road, Ibadan in Oyo State), N235 million; emergency repair of Iseyin – Ipapo Okaka Saki Road also in Oyo State,  N225m; emergency repair of Saki-Ilesha-Baruba Road along Ago Are-Saki-Ilesha-Baruba  Road route in Oyo State,   N245 million;    repair of Okeado-Mokola along Dugbe-Mokola-Ojoo Road in Oyo State at N235 million; repair of Gbemi – Dogo Road along Ogbomoso – Igbeti Road in Oyo State at N244 million; special repairs of flood-prone sections along Sekona-Ife road in Osun State at N233 million; and special intervention on flooding along Iwo – Ifeodan road (Oyo state boundary) in Osun State at N439m.

    In the  Southsouth and Southeast,   new projects to be initiated next year are the limited rehabilitation of Ama John – Umuahihie – Uzoagba Road (phase11) in Imo State at N598 million; limited rehabilitation of Abakaliki – Oferekpe Road in Ebonyi State,  N455 million; limited rehabilitation of Abakaliki – Orie Ogbe – Ntsokkara – Oferekpe Road,  N494 million and limited rehabilitation/construction of Okigwe – Afikpo – Cross Rivers State border (two-kilometre spur to Otu Nkalu beach) in Ebonyi State,   N459 million.

    There are also the limited rehabilitation of 9th  Mile – Ogbeda – Ugwunani – Aku – Nkporogwu – Uzowani Road in Enugu State, N481million; limited rehabilitation of township roads (trans-Ekulu area) in Enugu State N465 million; limited rehabilitation of Oba – Nnewi – Arondizogu Road, N343 million; and limited rehabilitation of Ama Nkwo – Nkwo Alabo Road in Obilokupu, Ozoagba in Imo State, N490 million.

    Other new projects in the South-east include the provision of culverts and drains at flood-prone areas on the federal road network in the Southeast at N3 billion as well as emergency repairs and reinstatement of washout and critical sections along the Onitsha – Owerri dual carriageway at N2.4 billion.

    Also, there is a budget allocation of N624.2 million for the limited rehabilitation of Umuahia (Isicourt) – Aba Road; limited rehabilitation of Aba – Ikot Ekpene Road (Bata junction – Ogbor Hill – Opobo Roundabout)   at N515.4 million; reinstatement of the flooded Enuagu – Umugama – Amaigele Road in Ukwulu, Anambra State,   N451.1 million;   emergency repairs of critical sections on Amawbia – Nise-Agulu-Ekwulobia – Uga  Road Anambra State,   N481.6million; and limited rehabilitation of Abakaliki – Oferekpe road (km 0+000- km 4+000),   N450.3 million.

    Read Also: Fed Govt weighs equity, non-interest models to fund projects

    Limited rehabilitation of washout in a section of Iroakhor – Apana Road in Etsako West LGA in Edo State will cost   N510 million; repairs of critical failed sections along Iruekpen – Sabogida -Ora – Ifon Road   N626 million; limited rehabilitation of washout in another section of Iroakhor -Apana Road in Esako West LGA at N362 million; and reconstruction of flood control structures along Uromi-Onewa Road, N343 million.

    The budget proposal allocates N2 billion each to projects such as the reconstruction and asphalt overlay of Fanari-Lokobi-Yarume-Jakanadu Road  in Sokoto state; construction and asphalt overlay of Suru-Sangelu-Afadama road, in Kebbi state; reconstruction and asphalt overlay of Buni Garii-Gulani Road in Gujba Local Government, Yobe State; reconstruction of Besse junction to Bagudu Road in Kebbi State; construction of Yandev-Buruku Road in Benue State; reconstruction  and  asphalt overlay of Poeship (Bakin Kogi Shendam) Ngutugut-Demshin-Mararaba-Demshin Road, Plateau State  and  construction of Unguwar Iliya Bagudu Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo bridge in  Kafur lga, Katsina State

    While the reconstruction and asphalt overlay of earthworks and culverts at Kanuwa-Balkore-Jingine-Sabon Birna road in Kware lga Sokoto State was allocated N1.5 billion,    that of    Ugep/Alesi Road got N1billion.  The  Eegbeda to Lalupon (through Owobale and Erunmu)  road is estimated to cost    N750 million. 

    The reconstruction of the Tsamiya/Wara Road in the Nigeria/Benin Republic border in Baguio LGA, Kebbi State was allocated   N500 million. 

    The government also intends to reconstruct the  Greater Umuneke Ring Road, creating vital access for Udi-Agbudu-Obinagu-Umuabi-Umuaga-Nachi-Obinofia-Enugu-Onitsha at  N400 million.

    The proposal also contains N4 billion for the construction and equipping of Ultra-modern Conference Centre blocks A, B, C, and D along Damargu Secretariat Phase III.

     There is also provisions for traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure on federal roads in Ado Iga Road in Benue State; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure on federal roads in Ogbadibo lga, Benue state; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure along Zuba bypass; provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure Zuba bypass, Dakiliko – Tungan Maje end; and provision of traffic warning lights and associated infrastructure along Lafia East – Markudi expressway, Lafia end, Nassarawa State.

    Ongoing projects to get necessary attention are the Lagos-Kwara-Kaduna Road,  N2 billion and counterpart funding for the construction of a joint border bridge at Mfum/Ekok under the Nigeria/Cameroun international highway and transport facilitation programme at N738 million.

    In the Northcentral, there are provisions for the rehabilitation of six and reconstruction of two sections of the Lokoja -Abuja Road at N7.5 billion respectively as well as the provision of culverts and drains at flood-prone areas on federal road networks in the zone at N3 billion.

  • Ganduje commissions N270m road project

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday commissioned the 1.1 kilometer Gidan Zakkah – Kofar Waika road in Kano metropolis, constructed by his administration valued at about N 270 million.

    Ganduje explained that the project was conceived following the noticeable hardship faced by commuters within the densely populated area, particularly during the rainy season.

    “This project is one of the road projects we constructed in Kano city to ensure easy flow of traffic and to generally reduce flooding, since some of the old roads do not have culverts. As you can see this road has concrete gutters and will soon be fitted with street lights.

    “As we can see, change is visible within this area as the quality of homes and indeed the environment is looking modern while people can now use their vehicles’ conveniently.

    “Even those walking on foot will be happier as pavements have been constructed,” he stated.

    Ganduje expressed the commitment of his administration to ensure speedy completion of more roads especially in the state capital to consolidate its urban renewal programme.

    READ ALSO: Ganduje distributes safe delivery kits to expectant mothers in Kano

    “Because of our population and the arrival of people to do business, our city is growing and gradually becoming a mega city. This means that we must invest in critical infrastructure like roads to facilitate movement of goods and services,” he stressed.

    The governor called on the people in the Goron Dutse – Kofar Waika axis of Kano city to make good use of the road and to support the government to enable it accomplish its vision.‎

    Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Aminu Aliyu Wudil explained street lights would be installed at designated points along the road while the Kofar Waika Gate would be reconstructed at the end of the road, to preserve the state’s history and culture.

    He disclosed that the second phase of the road, which would cover Kofar Waika to Dawakin Tofa would commence before long.

  • ‘Kano/Abuja road project will create over 3,000 jobs’

    The Minister of State for Power Works and Housing II, Hassan Zarma, has said the Kano/Abuja road project will create over 3,000 jobs (direct and indirect) in the next three years.

    The minister, who spoke in Kano, emphasised that the Federal Government will ensure consistent funding until the final delivery.

    Zarma said the contractor has been fully mobilised to start work in the three sections intermittently, adding that the government is committed to fix infrastructure deficits in the country.

    He said: “There are direct and indirect jobs, as well as the auxiliaries, including dependants on those who will be earning from this project. So, giving a figure won’t be appropriate but I believe that more than 3,000 persons will be employed on this project.”

    The 375.4km road was awarded to Julius Berger Plc at N155,470,626,078.07, and it has a 36-month completion period.

  • Lagos residents laud LG boss over road project

    Residents and road users in Shitta roundabout, Surulere, can now heave a sigh of relief with the complete renovation and formal launch of that portion of road. For years, the spot had been a source of constant headache for both residents and passers bye due to the spoilt drainage system causing sewage water to overrun the road and its environ.

    The Surulere Local Government team led by its chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, during the inauguration yesterday, said it is another promise kept. He said:  “it was part of the promise that we made before assuming office to fix this popular spot which had become a sore point in Surulere. We are happy to have delivered the job for the benefit of our people.”

    Surrounded by LG commissioners, party leaders, councillors and community leaders, the chief Imam of Surulere, Abdulahi Jatto, was on hand to cut the tape and declare the road for public use. Some residents and business owners in the areas were of the opinion that they no longer experience foul smell and logjam occasioned by the bad drainage. “We now live in a clean environment. Motorists drive smoothly and we are generally happy,” Mrs Musiliu Ajayi, a fruit retailer, said.

     

     

  • Bayelsa community lauds Agip over road project

    Bayelsa community lauds Agip over road project

    Egbemo Angalabiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa  State has lauded the Nigerian Agip Oil Company NAOC , operator of the NNPC/NAOC/ONDO Joint Venture over a 500m road project.

    Speaking on behalf of the communuty, the Community Development Committee Chairman, Mr. Pumokumo Gabice said it was very gratifying to the community to see the completion and commissioning of the road project by NAOC and its joint Venture Partners.

    According to him,  the inauguration of the project  is a dream come true for the people of Egbemo Angalabiri community.

    He thanked the company for fulfilling the terms of the memorandum of understanding with the community and urged other oil companies operating within Egbemo Angalabiri territory to emulate NAOC and its JV partners.

    Speaking during the commissioning of the project, the Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr. Massimo Insulla, said the road project will not only ease internal mobility within the community but will also improve both the economic and general well-being of the people of Egbemo Angalabiri community

    Represented by the Stakeholders Management and Community Development Division Manager of the Company, Mr. Dennis Masi, the Managing Director said the road was  in fulfilment of the terms of the MoU.

     

  • Niger set aside N308m for road project

    Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger, on Sunday said that it has earmarked N308 million for the construction of 15-kilometre road linking the council Headquarters and other parts of the state.

    Malam Saidu Kaboji, chairman of the council, made this known to newsmen after inspecting the progress of work on the road, which was already 75 per cent completion.

    Kabogi, who did not give the amount of money that has been paid to the contractor out of the contract sum, said that the local government could not boast of any access road to the council headquarters.

    “Since our local government was created in 1996 by late Gen. Sani Abacha’s administration, despite the fact that it has the highest allocation from the federation account, this road had been neglected,’’ he said.

    He said that the project, which has six month completion period, was awarded in July and was expected to be completed before the end of the year.

    The council boss said that the project when completed would boost economic activities of the area and increase revenue base of the council.

    “This road project when completed will reduce the stress of our people using the road and encourage farmers to bring their farm produce to the market,’’ he said.

    He noted that despite the accusation of financial misappropriation against the council by some opposition in the area, the construction of the road remained one of the achievements of his administration.

    “This road is one of the priorities of my administration because I see it as not only a disgrace that a local government that was created 21 years ago cannot boast of an access road. This lack of access road had brought untold hardship on the people.

    “Our people are predominantly farmers and when they harvest their produce, they find it difficult to move them to the market. This explain why after we were done with electrification of about 60 communities, providing them with transformers, we decided to embark on this road construction,” he said.

     

  • Lagos releases N10bn for completion of 114 LG roads

    Lagos releases N10bn for completion of 114 LG roads

    The Lagos State Government has released the sum of N10.8billion to date to ensure completion of the ongoing construction of 114 roads across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State by the end of June, 2016

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Olohuntele Folami on Wednesday, the Government said that the construction of the roads was made possible through tax payers’ money.

    The Commissioner said that the second stage payment of N5.5billon released on Monday represents 61 per cent of the total cost of the 114 roads at N17.85bn.

    “The Government again reiterates that as long as Lagosians continue to fulfill their civic responsibility and obligation, the Government will continue to spend its resources wisely and the Lagosians will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    “We are using this medium to urge Lagosians to continue to pay their taxes, so as to be able to enjoy the dividends of democracy, the monies they are paying is what the government is using to construct these roads across the length and breadth of the State,” the Commissioner said.

    Folami said that aside completed and ongoing road projects across the metropolis, the State Government has also embarked on the Light Up Lagos Project which is fast spreading across major highways and streets as well as construction of bridges, flyovers as well as equipping the Police and other security agencies.

    “This Government wants the people to know that the money they are paying is being well spent and so far as they continue to fulfill their part, the Government will not relent in making the State safer and more habitable for the people.

    “Tax payers’ money is being well spent and people can see and feel it, we promised a government of inclusion and we would continue to demonstrate it through the various people oriented projects of this administration. Lagosians should be rest assured that that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has the passion to make life more comfortable for them,” Folami said.
    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode, in fulfillment of his campaign promises, empowered the Local Governments and the Local Council Development Areas to embark on construction of two inner roads in their various councils to boost economic activities and improve vehicular movement.

    The roads are designed to accommodate walkways, road medians, street lights and standard drainage systems.

  • Council warns contractors over road project

    Executive Secretary, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area(LCDA) Bamise Kazeem, has warned the management of Jaseal Construction Limited to complete the rehabilitation of Adepimbe Road linking the Ikorodu area of Lagos within the completion date.

    He also urged the residents to support the contractors to ensure ‘‘unhindered access to the site.”

    Speaking during an inspection of the road, he said: ‘‘we will ensure that payment is made to the contractors without delay, so the road will be completed in six months. It is a very strategic road.”

    Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri community, Solomon Olatunji, pleaded with traders to cooperate with the engineers to avoid disruption.

    “I live in Balogun-Oyero Street and will say the engineers are trying. About the area boys, we are trying our best possible to let them leave the construction site. I have told them that if they are caught by the government, the community won’t do anything because they have been warned.”

    The council’s Head of Administration, Kehinde Yusuf, sought the cooperation of traders to ease the work of the contractors.

    According to him, ‘‘Traders need to give way because it is not a market place. If it is turned into a market place, our efforts to change the face of this road will be fruitless. They need to know the usefulness of the road.’’

    Charles Osuntuyi, an engineer with Jaseal Construction Limited, lamented that some houses were obstructing the construction work.

    He, however, said that work had been going as scheduled.

    “When the houses and shops are out, we will be able to meet the deadline. Residents need to be patient,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the residents are upbeat about the project, in spite of the fact that some shops and houses in Balogun-Oyero Street had been demolished since the construction work began in January.

    A resident, Chibike Okafor, who lives in Adebimpe Street, said he couldn’t believe that there could be a road on that street because it had been dominated by traders.

    “I have been living here for five years and never imagined a road demarcated the houses. I am glad we will have access to the road because it is the only road that links to the expressway,” he said.

    A trader, Muthari Jinjiri, who sells yams at the Shukura Yam depot, expressed the hope that construction would be completed in time, adding that the road was always a disaster during the rainy season.

    Another resident, Olu Muyiwa, however, pleaded with the contractor to first finish one side of the road, which leads to Mile 12 Market.

    He said: ‘‘I am very impressed because I can’t believe this opportunity is coming to our community. People should know that our votes count. Our leaders are not working in vain. I urge residents to comply with the engineers. Our Executive Secretary has done well; so we need to support him.’’