Road Rehabilitation: Minister Warns Contractors, Against Contract Variation
By Hudu Yakubu Abuja
The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, has warned contractors handling the rehabilitation of 135 roads in the nation’s capital and civil engineering services against contract variations.
The Minister, who gave the warning while inaugurating the projects in Abuja on Monday, disclosed that the projects would be completed in six months.
According to him, FCT will pay all the contractors their fees to enable them to complete the project within the agreed timeline.
He also warned the Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola not to bring any document for reconsideration or a file for unanticipated issues, as “everything has been considered and anticipated.”
The minister urged residents to support the contractors to enable them to complete the job on time, adding that no development comes without some pain.
He also solicited the support of traditional rulers to ensure that the youths and all residents of their communities support the contractors to deliver the job on time.
Wike equally thanked the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, for publicly declaring the area council chairmen decision to work with the FCT Administration for the interest of FCT residents.
Earlier, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the FCT Administration has recorded significant achievements in transforming the capital city, barely three weeks of Mr Project (Wike) in office.
Mahmoud said that the issue of streetlight has been addressed; the problem of sanitation has been tackled, and now the road infrastructure.
Also, Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Adesola, said that the projects involve the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 135 existing roads and remedial works on bridges in various districts of the FCT.
“This transformative project, according to him, will significantly impact the lives of the people of the federal capital,” he said.
He urged the contractors to meet the timeline agreed for the projects to be delivered.
Mr Ahmed Hadi, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, pointed out that a substantial number of the roads in Phase I, developed since 1980, have deteriorated.
Hadi said that the project would involve scarification and removal of the existing asphalt in some locations, while in other places, it would be asphalt overlay.
He said that the roads in Wuse, Garki, some areas in Maitama and Asokoro would be involved, covering 42 kilometres.
“When completed, there will be enhanced traffic flow and reduction in travel time, and the roads will safer,” he said.
The Chairman House Committee on FCT, Mr Muktar Betara, expressed confidence in the ability of Wike to deliver the transformative agenda for the FCT.
He assured the minister of the committee’s support to enable him to succeed in his task of making FCT the desired destination of all Nigerians.
Similarly, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for taking a giant step to deliver the dividend of democracy to the residents of the city and assured him of the traditional council support.
In his remark, Maikalangu commended Wike for the laudable feat and appealed that the gesture be extended to rural communities to complement efforts of the six area councils in accelerating development in the area.
He assured the minister of the support of the council chairmen to ensure the completion of the projects.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, Chief Executive Officer ZBMC Ltd, Mr Obada Zabadne, acknowledged the government’s confidence and trust to deliver quality projects.
He assured the minister of the contractors’ commitment to achieve beyond expectations and within agreed time.
Shakirat Sadiq
