The Federal Government has earmarked the sum of N777bn to complete the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria Road, THE WHISTLER can report.
Also, it has set a 14-month completion deadline for the reconstruction of section two of the project, which was awarded to Infiouest Construction Company at the cost of N525bn.
Speaking at the flag-off of section two of the project at Jere, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna, the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, assured that the project, which is a concrete reinforcement pavement, would be delivered in record time.
Umahi, who commended the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his efforts in the project, said the 700-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road would reduce the rate of accidents and heavy traffic when completed.
He said, “Under you (Kaduna governor), these 700 kilometres of roads will be completed, courtesy of our dear president. Not only will it be completed, but it will be completed in concrete-reinforced pavements.
“And we had sections 1, 2, 3. Section 1 is in Abuja, Nigeria, and Section 3 is in Kano. Substantially, the Kano section between Zaria and Kano has been completed by Julius Berger. And so the entire road, 350, was the 240 kilometres completed by Julius Berger.
“And the remaining 140 kilometres by 2, 240 by 2 is 480. 140 by 2 is 280. But the president is not only completing this 280.
“He has also added about 11 kilometres at the Kano section of the road to take the road to the Aminu Kano International Airport. And that work is going on now. Together with the remaining section in Kano State.
“The entire road – the president also directed that there should be solar lights throughout. And so today, the President has awarded the completion of sections 1 and 3, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252bn.
“And today, we are also flagging off section 2, 82 kilometres by 2,164 kilometres. At a total cost of N525bn”.
Flagging off the project, the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanked the Federal Government for the project.
He described it as the pivotal road, saying, “We are here to commence the reconstruction of one of the most important roads in Nigeria. The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road is a vital artery for the people of Northern Nigeria.”
He continued, “I must point out here that it has been a long struggle pulling off today’s event. As a senator representing Kaduna Central in the 9th Senate, I mobilised other federal legislators and key stakeholders to pile ceaseless pressure on the federal government to complete this important road.
“We even organised a town hall meeting to collate and synthesise the views of stakeholders and ramp up pressure for action to be taken on the vital project.
“Let me state here without fear of contradiction that in words and action, President Tinubu has clearly demonstrated commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficits in the Northern region of Nigeria.
“The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road has suffered total neglect over the years. Successive governments merely paid lip service to the reconstruction or rehabilitation of the road.
“Our people watched helplessly as the condition of the road worsened and innocent lives were lost. President Tinubu has now shown that with visionary leadership and commitment, we can make a difference in the lives of our people.
“Apart from the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road reconstruction, Mr President has specifically directed that work on two other critical Federal Road projects be expedited: the Eastern Bypass, which has been in limbo for over 23 years, and the Western Bypass, Nnamdi Azikiwe Way.
“These projects will ease congestion within the city of Kaduna and significantly reduce travel time for long-distance commuters.”
