The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Road rehabilitation

  • Motorists hail Fed Govt for road rehabilitation

    Motorists and other road users in Oyo State have hailed the Federal Government, following the giant strides being recorded in the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads.

    They said the government had met people’s expectations in the area of good roads.

    Our correspondent, who monitored some of the road projects in the state, reports that Ibadan-Oyo road, Oyo-Ogbomosho road and Ibadan-Abeokuta road are now free of potholes.

    They praised the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for restoring sanity to the road sector.

    National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Abeoukuta- Ibadan Unit Vice Chairman, Mr. Segun Adebanjo, lauded the Federal Government’s efforts at making Ibadan-Abeokuta road passable.

    He urged the government to extend the gesture to other federal roads.

    NURTW Ibadan-Oyo Unit Chairman Wasiu Olaifa, said the route is now in good shape.

    He said the deplorable condition of the road in the past was responsible for the breakdown of their vehicles, which made them to spend huge amount on maintenance.

    A truck driver, Bello Hassan, who plies Ibadan-Ogbomosho road, urged the Federal Government to ensure competent contractors handled road construction, to avoid shoddy job.

    Read also: Kano revokes N5.3b road contracts over contractors’ failure

    Mrs. Eunice Idowu, a civil servant, said the rehabilitation of Ibadan-Oyo road was commendable.

    Idowu, who said she worked in Ibadan but lived in Oyo town, added that the repair of the road had made her daily trip easier.

    The Project Manager of Kopek Construction Company, which handled Ibadan-Abeokuta road, Mr. Paul Chamoun, said the 88.5 kilometre road had reached 95 per cent of completion.

    He hailed the government for its commitment to the project, saying the remaining work would be completed soon.

    Mr. Omotayo Awosanya, the controller of Works in Oyo State, said the present administration was committed to rehabilitation and construction of federal roads.

    He said the Ibadan-Oyo road, Ibadan – Abeokuta road and Oyo-Ogbomosho road, among others, received the attention of the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, who gave order for rehabilitation of the roads.

     

    According to him, plans were underway for the rehabilitation of the few remaining roads across the state.

     

  • NDDC, Bayelsa disagree over road rehabilitation

    NDDC, Bayelsa disagree over road rehabilitation

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is undertaking emergency road repairs and rehabilitation on 14 roads across Bayelsa State, the agency has said in a statement.

    Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDDC Mrs. Ibim Semenitari issued the statement in Yenagoa.

    She described as “untrue and shocking”, claims by the government that it was intervening in the roads.

    The managing director was reacting to claims by the government that it was undertaking rehabilitation on the roads.

    She listed the roads as Oporuma-Sabageria-Polaku Road in Opokuma Local Government and Odi-Trofani Road.

    In Yenagoa, the roads are Otiotio Road, DooGood Street, Goodnews Street, Azikoro, Shepherd Vine Road, Capt. Ayeni Street, Saptex Road, Yenizue-Epie, INEC Road, Kpansia, Jasmine Suite Road, Erepa Road and NIIT Road.

    Others are the Dimrose-Green, Villa-Custom Link Roads 1 & 2, Biogbolo and Toolda Road, Ekeki all in Yenagoa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Commissioner for Information Mr. Jonathan Obuebite said last Saturday that emergency repairs on roads were the handiwork of the government.

    The managing director said the rehabilitation covered the nine states of its mandate in the Niger Delta.

    She regretted that rather than hail the agency for the step, which would be a huge relief to it, the government resorted to misinformation.

    “Such deliberate falsehood erodes public trust in authorities,” Semenitari said, adding that the emergency work was meant to relieve the government of burden.

    She said the commission had expected the government in best practice; emulate its Cross River and Akwa Ibom counterparts in commending NDDC.

    The managing director said where the government lacked the courage to attribute credit to NDDC, it should have kept quiet instead of misinforming the public.

    She expressed displeasure that although the government knew the truth, it chose to hide it from the public.

    Mrs. Semenitari said such style of governance eroded confidence in the government and ridiculed probity.

    “NDDC saw gaps in road infrastructure across its nine mandate states and the need to intervene and after a management meeting, decided to act as to provide relief to motorists and other road users.

    “So the option of emergency road repairs came handy, as it would afford immediate remedial solution, relieve states of financial burden and enhance inter and intra-city communications.

    “Under this intervention, hitherto impassable roads have become usable routes, thereby boosting economic activities and improving the lives of the people,” she said.

    The managing director said NDDC would  not engage Bayelsa in war of words, adding that it was necessary to leave the public with the correct information in the interest of  ”good governance and sustainable development.”

  • Road rehabilitation, beautification take off

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Bello has announced the takeoff of the rehabilitation of Abuja roads, beautification of ornamental flowers and the trimming of overgrown trees.

    Bello stated that the rehabilitation of the roads especially in some strategic roads within the city centre is to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

    The minister, who revealed this in a press statement by the Deputy Director/Press Statement FCT, Muhammad Sule, stated that the first phase of the rehabilitation programme include the total rehabilitation of M20, the dilapidated road leading to the popular Utako Motor Park; rehabilitation of road shoulders along the Shehu Shagari Way in Maitatma District and Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway).

    He stated, ”To ensure smooth vehicular movement in and around the Federal Capital City, Abuja, the FCT Administration has commenced the immediate rehabilitation of some strategic roads within the city centre.

    “Some of the roads under the first phase of the programme include the total rehabilitation of M20, the hitherto dilapidated road leading to the popular Utako Motor Park; rehabilitation of road shoulders along the Shehu Shagari Way in Maitatma District and Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) respectively.

    “Others are the trimming of overgrown trees and beautification of ornamental flowers along the road leading to Defence House and IBB Way both in Maitama District, Abuja, and the provision of kerbs at the famous Unity Park close to Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja.

    “Speaking on his plans to ensure a clean and filth-free city, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello insisted that Abuja under his watch must be restored to its original clean and green concept.

    “Malam Bello who assumed office about three months ago, as the 16th FCT Minister revealed that he has a mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari to restore Abuja to its original Master Plan in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

    “He, therefore, solicited for support and cooperation of residents, development partners and key stakeholders in the Abuja project to ensure that the city is kept clean at all times.

    Conducting reporters round some of the ongoing works in the city, acting Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Hajiya Safiya Umar, said that the minister upon taking office,  had ordered the Agency to ensure prompt evacuation of all refuse whether liquid, solid or construction waste.

    “The Coordinator, who observed that the Federal Capital City has become dirty prior to the coming onboard of the present FCT Administration, however attributed the uncleanliness to the problem of transition period.

    “She thus warned that after this massive cleaning exercise embarked upon by the Administration, anyone found dumping construction waste indiscriminately would be prosecuted accordingly.

    “The Coordinator disclosed that even trucks used in the indiscriminate disposal of construction waste in unauthorized places would be confiscated if found.

    “Meanwhile, following the rehabilitation of the road leading to the Utako Motor Park, there was wild jubilation by motorists and commuters at the park who welcomed the development.

    “They commended the FCT administration for fixing the dilapidated road, which has not been passable for years.”

     

  • FERMA begins rehabilitation of federal roads 

    FERMA begins rehabilitation of federal roads 

    The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced inspection, assessment and rehabilitation of all federal roads across the south west states.

    This was disclosed by the deputy general manager, Road Maintenance Management Services (RMMS) Engineer (Mrs) Bola Ilemori, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, on Wednesday during a tour of federal roads in the state.

    Ilemori, disclosed that the essence of the inspection exercise, which according to her commenced from Lagos State, is expected to provide a platform for maintenance of all federal roads in the region.

    Ilemori, who led a team of other FERMA officials in the inspection of federal roads team in Oyo state from old Oyo/Ojoo road in Ibadan through, Ibadan/expressway-Iseyin/Oyo old road-Ado-Awaye and Maya/Igboora road, said the Federal Government is determined to improve on the current status of its
    roads nationwide.

    The officials in the team of engineers who made the tour with Ilamori include: the zonal coordinator South West (Mrs) Mary Adeniran, representative of FERMA in Oyo State, Francis Ishabiyi, Yemi Olaniyan and Mrs Adunola Bamgbopa.

    Ilemori stated that the aim is to ensure that the intervention works that had been done before now are sustained.

    She added that the exercise is also targeted at looking at the federal roads generally, identify critical failure areas and make arrangement and recommendation to commence the repairs of these failures
    immediately.

    According to Ilemori; “We’re also inspecting our repair works and maintenance contracts generally and direct labour works to ensure that these works are done in line with our specifications and standards.

    “We actually commenced the exercise in Lagos State. In Lagos, we inspected Lagos-Badagry/seme border dual carriage way, Apapa/Oworonsoki dual  carriage way, Murtala Mohammed International airport road, Ikorodu/Itoikin road and Ikorodu/Sagamu road.

    “In all the roads inspected, our contractors are working while our direct labour work is also in progress and the quality of work done is satisfactory. What we saw is in line with our specification and standards and we have looked generally at our drainage network. We’re also ensuring the desilting of base to allow for timely discharge of run off from our roads whenever it rains.

    Then, we proceeded to Ogun State and inspected Agbara/Atan road, Ota/Abeokuta expressway and moved to Papalanto/Sagamu road, then to Sagamu/Ajebandele expressway. There also, work is in progress with our contractors and we have identified critical washout which we’re going to effect and
    ensure that repairs are done immediately.

    “In Oyo State,we started with Oyo/Ibadan old road and Ibadan/Oyo expressway. We inspected a critical wash out on the road, the old alignment on Oyo road and have identified the problems and we have also come up with solutions. In no time, we will commence repair work of that failed section.

    “For Ibadan/Oyo expressway, we find out movement of the wearing course on the surface of the road and we’re looking at milling and overlaying the peeled section of the road. Maybe in the nearest future, we may consider entire overlay stretch of the road to. Further strengthen the road.”

  • Lagos earmark 90 roads for rehabilitation

    Lagos earmark 90 roads for rehabilitation

    Lagos State Public Works Corporation has earmarked 90 roads for maintenance and rehabilitation across the metropolis.

    The chairman of the corporation, Mr. Ayotunde Shodeinde, said the need to fix the roads became necessary following the devastating state of the road due to heavy down pour witnessed recently in the state.

    He said the roads to be worked on are those with high vehicular movement, including commercial vehicles used by large number of commuters.

    Shodeinde, said the state governor Mr.  Akinwunmi Ambode, is concerned about the states of the road and has directed the corporation to commenced work immediately.

    “We cannot continue to blame weather condition for the hardship being caused our people by potholes”, he said, adding that “the corporation will take advantage of any dry period to quickly move to site and carry out maintenance operations be it during the day or night time”.

    While appealing to Lagosians for patience on their road maintenance needs, he said the Corporation’s operations will assume a more robust dimension which will enable a greater number of Lagosians to feel its impact, especially when the rains wind up.

    Already, road maintenance work has commenced on some of the roads earmarked for repairs, they include Dopemu Road, Agege, Ojo road, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Old Abeokuta road, Agege, IyanaIpaja-Egbeda Road, Alimosho, Shasha Road, Alimosho, Old Ojo Road, KuyeAmuwo-Odofin, Mowo-Ikoga Road, Badagry, Osho Road and Olubote Street in Epe, Lagos-Abeokuta Express way (Abule-Toll gate axis), ObafemiAwolowo way, Ikeja and Oyemekun road, Ifako-Ijaye.

    Also, listed for maintenance areIpaja Road, AP-Alagba, Agege, Kikrikiri Road, Olodi, Apapa, Ikotun-Igando Road, Alimosho, Ikotun-Egbe Road, Alimosho, Liverpool Road, Apapa, Badagry, Ketu-Ejinrin Road, Epe, Ogunnusi Road, Ojodu-Ogba, Ikeja, Alausa roads Network, Ikeja, Allen Avenue/Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway (Cement-Ile Zik Axis) and Owolegbon Street, Atunrase Estate, Gbagada Ph1, Kosofe.

    Others to be fixed includeAradagun-Ajido-Iworo road, Badagry, Ajah-Ado-Badore Road, Eti-Osa, Ahamadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Ojo-Igbede Road, Ojo, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Herbert Macaulary Way, Lagos Mainland, Bush/AjikeFaromobi/Thomas Laniyan/Anthony Village Road, Kosofe, Itire-Mushin Road, Surulere, Tokunbo Street, Lagos-Island, Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta, Lagos Mainland, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway (AbuleEgba-Toll Gate Axis) and Agege Motor Road, Ladipo-Cappa Axis.

    The maintenance activities will be carried out using either Asphalt premix or paving stones and other palliative measures, all in an attempt to improve the motoring experience of Lagosians.

  • Road Rehabilitation: Ex-Soldier sheds tears of joy

    Road Rehabilitation: Ex-Soldier sheds tears of joy

    A retired Army Captain, Wednesday, gave in to his emotions as he shed tears of joy over the reclamation of the Upper Lawani Road and the adjoining roads in Benin City, Edo State by the government of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    The retired Army Captain, Mr. Isaac Eguavoen who lauded the Governor for keeping to his electoral promises gave the commendation during the Governor’s inspection of ongoing projects in Benin metropolis.

    Mr. Eguavoen who said he is a landlord in the Upper Lawani area of the state capital, noted that past governments in over twenty years had failed to address the erosion problem in the area. He praised Governor Oshiomhole for restoring the belief of the people in government.

    Governor Oshiomhole assured the retired Army Captain and the people of the state that his administration would not relent in its determination to bring development to the people.

    The Governor who also inspected the 2nd East Circular Road said the road will be dualised and completed with walkways, drainage and streetlights.

    Oshiomhole said: “we have come to see for ourselves the state of the road. You saw us trying to take measurements. Now we are going to work on the road. We are going to dualise it so that it looks like the Airport road.

    “We are going to put streetlights and walkways. I assure you that before the first week of April, you will see caterpillars working on the road,” he said.

    Oshiomhole who also visited Upper Mission, Ogida Road and Upper Ekewan inspected the ongoing works there.

    Oshiomhole said “during the campaigns, I promised that all the roads would be built so that people can drive straight to their homes. Before we do the road we must do the drainage. The problem of Benin is that if you don’t do drainage calculated to take water to a particular destination the road will not last.

    “That is why government is spending a lot of resources to construct the drainage first. The drainage being constructed in Benin has been designed to take into account the volume of water, so that the water will flow all the way to the river.

    “By the grace of God the contractors are doing their best and before the rain, they would have completed as many roads as possible so that you can have real development. People can drive here easily and the value of properties would increase. I promise you we will continue to do our best,” he said.

  • Japan to train Nigerian engineers on road rehabilitation

    Japan to train Nigerian engineers on road rehabilitation

    The Japanese government through its Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is to support the Federal Government in training Nigerian engineers on road rehabilitation.

    The Advisor of Operation for Supporting Japanese Small and Medium Enterprises Division, JICA, Mr Eiji Kubo, said this in Abuja last Monday when a delegation from the agency visited the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen.

    He said JICA was ready to involve more than 20 Nigerian engineers in a pioneer training, which expected to commence in the second quarter of 2014.

    “The training will give the engineers more knowledge about the use of modern technologies, such as the introduction of non-destructive testing method for road construction.

    “Our main goal is to establish basic database on the condition of incidental concrete structures on roads in Abuja, using data obtained by concrete tester so that the recipient government can conduct systematic management for civil engineering structure in the future,’’ Kubo said.

    He also pledged the agency’s support in other sectors of the Nigerian economy if given the opportunity.

    In his remark, the minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, restated the government’s continued support for organisations willing to enhance programmes in road development.

    “As part of government’s transformation agenda for the road sector, we are willing to key into more reform programmes both locally and internationally,’’ he said.