Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi says the Ministry will be reviewing all construction contract performances with the Private sector under its Highway Development and Management Initiative, HDMI by the end of January.
Senator Umahi who stated this at a meeting with Directors of Ministry in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital explained that the cost, scope, and technicalities of the contracts would be reviewed.
He explained that he had asked for 5% equity contribution or guarantee from the contractors so that he would have the assurance of the commitment of those who are serious about work.
Senator Umahi also stressed the need for a review of all agreements, cost, and geotechnical evaluation among others of existing contracts to identify and tackle drawbacks that have prevented the execution of road projects.
He said; “There is a need to review our project agreements and costs. When we give the right costing, the little resources we have will be able to go a long way towards meeting the expectations. We are to review what has been so disadvantageous to our road construction.”
Funds
On funds for the Ministry, the Minister noted that if the ministry is given N892 billion all the money would be utilised transparently with no balance left by December 2024.
“It means commitment and it will be properly utilised, it will be transparent for everybody to see. And the end of the transparency is in the quality of the roads, the length of the roads, and how much it costs,” he stated.
Senator Umahi also promised to complete the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway before the end of 2024.
He said that necessary preparations are underway for the project however funding is an issue because the Contractor- Julius Berger is requesting an unrealistic sum of 1.3 trillion naira.
Senator Umahi said; “We have about 1.7 kilometers left of Abuja-Kaduna in two sections. The ministry has some supervision work to be done on that road and we will be advised on the real designs of the two sections.
“Funding is also an issue because it is under the presidential development fund initiative gotten from looted funds. I have had to discuss with Mr president about the importance of the road for all users. But I won’t be able to go back to him until we re-scope it because the project was N165 billion before and a review brought the cost to N655 billion but today the contractor is asking for N1.35 trillion and the government cannot afford it.”
The Minister said; “What they are asking for is very wrong. We are looking at the existing subgrade and see what we can do about it.
“We are also looking at the first 40km to be constructed by Dangote under the Tax credit scheme to do it on concrete pavement but I am very committed to completing that road this year. No matter what happens, that road will be done this year.”
He tasked the directors with commitment to work urging them to be more proactive in carrying out proper supervision of road construction projects.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
