FG inspects, commissions three road projects in Kaduna

By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road infrastructure in Kaduna State as it inspected and commissioned several key projects, including ongoing works on the long delayed Kaduna Eastern Bypass.

The inspection and commissioning tour was led by the Federal Controller of Works in Kaduna State, Engr. Ulagu Loveday, as part of ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate the delivery of critical road infrastructure across the country.

Speaking during the inspection at the Chikaji Bridge section of the Eastern Bypass, Engr. Ulagu said the 58.5 kilometre project, which was awarded in 2002, had faced funding challenges over the years, but noted that the current administration has demonstrated renewed commitment towards ensuring its completion.

He disclosed that the project was initially awarded at N16 billion, later augmented to N38 billion and further revised to N74.649 billion in 2017. According to him, about N28 billion has so far been released to the contractor, with outstanding payment certificates currently being processed.

Ulagu said the project is presently at about 48 per cent financial completion and 57 per cent physical completion, adding that work has continued on critical sections despite operational challenges being managed by the contractor.

Project Manager of Eksiogullari Construction Nigeria Limited, Engr. Yunusa Salihu, said the project has reached its complete alignment and that the company remains fully mobilised on site.

He explained that the Eastern Bypass is a virgin road requiring extensive engineering works, noting that operational security concerns along parts of the corridor influence daily work schedules. He, however, assured that the company is managing the situation to sustain progress.

A director of the construction company, Alhaji Aminu, said the project could be completed before the end of next year if funding obligations are fully met.
“If adequate funding is provided, we can complete the project before the end of next year,” he said.
The Eastern Bypass consists of 10 major bridges, six of which have been completed, while work continues on the Chikaji Bridge, a 324 metre structure considered critical to full connectivity.

As part of the tour, the Federal Government also commissioned several emergency and special intervention projects, including the 4.3 kilometre Taban Sani Road in Makarfi Local Government Area, the Mahuta NNPC Pipeline Road to Nigerian Army Post Service Housing in Chikun Local Government Area, and the Sabo Rail Bridge Road to Command Junction in Kaduna metropolis.

The delegation further inspected the Western Bypass, where about 19.57 kilometres of carriageway have been completed. The project is being executed by Dangote Group and its subcontractors.

Engr. Jonathan Obrusu, representing Dangote Group, said the company is supporting the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive by delivering the project in line with approved specifications.

Other roads inspected include the 77 kilometre Pambeguwa Road, which has been completed with guardrails and safety installations and is scheduled for commissioning within one month. In Zaria, Phase One of the Wusasa–Turunku–Maraban Jos Road has reached about 68 per cent completion, while Phase Two, valued at about N30 billion, has been awarded to extend the road to Jos.

Ulagu commended the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for providing strategic direction and technical leadership, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development nationwide.

He said the ongoing road interventions in Kaduna State reflect the administration’s determination to address long standing infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity across the North West.

Photo caption: Ongoing construction projects at the Kaduna western bypass and commissioning of 4.3 kilometre Taban Sani Road in Makarfi Local Government Area.