Umahi applauds progress on Mararaba-Keffi road, urges prompt funding

By Favour Ulebor

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality and timely execution of the reconstruction and expansion of the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba-Keffi Road project, while calling for the prompt release of outstanding funds approved for the project.

Umahi made the remarks on Saturday, during an on-the-spot assessment of the road project, which was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works in June 2023 under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme at a contract sum of N73.9 billion.

The project, which links the Federal Capital Territory with communities in Nasarawa State, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time and traffic congestion, and stimulate socio-economic activities along the corridor upon completion.

Expressing satisfaction with the contractor’s performance, the minister said the project had reached technical completion and would be ready for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as early as July, subject to the completion of a few outstanding observations.

“We are very happy with China Harbour. They have done a very good job. Today, the job is technically completed and ready for commissioning. The few observations we have made will be addressed before then,” he said.

The minister recalled that the ministry introduced significant design modifications to the project, including the adoption of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways, a move that initially generated disagreements but has since proven beneficial.

According to him, the innovation will enhance the durability of the highway and reduce maintenance challenges associated with erosion and edge failures.

The minister noted that funding constraints had slowed progress at certain stages of construction despite the contractor’s commitment. He disclosed that the project, which falls under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme, had accumulated outstanding payments owed to the contractor.

Umahi appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to release the approved funds without further delay, stressing that President Tinubu had already directed that all outstanding commitments under the scheme be honoured.

“We are owing the contractor quite a lot on this project. The President has approved the payment, and I appeal that the funds be released promptly. I feel unhappy when contractors are encouraged to work and the approved funds are withheld,” he said.

The minister emphasized the strategic importance of road infrastructure in supporting economic growth and addressing security challenges across the country.

He also praised Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for complementary infrastructure interventions around the corridor, particularly the construction of flyovers designed to ease traffic flow and improve mobility.

Umahi further directed contractors handling adjoining projects to adopt night-time construction schedules where necessary in order to minimise inconvenience to motorists and residents.

“We must put the people first. While carrying out these projects, we should not subject road users to unnecessary hardship. The level of traffic congestion I observed is unacceptable,” he stated.

Providing an update on the project’s status, the Federal Controller of Works overseeing the project, Engr. Yakubu Usman, said the road had achieved 99.8 per cent completion.

According to him, only a few ancillary works remain outstanding, including in-situ casting of kerbs, U-drains and the installation of streetlights.

Usman also highlighted the innovative road design introduced under the current administration, noting that the rigid concrete shoulders would protect the pavement structure and extend the lifespan of the highway.

He commended the minister’s leadership and technical guidance, describing the project as a model for future federal road infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company, Wang Wenfei, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support throughout the project.

“With the support of the Minister of Works and the National Assembly, we have successfully completed the job. We will also address the observations and directives given during the inspection as quickly as possible,” Wang said.

The Mararaba-Keffi Road is one of the busiest transport corridors in the North-Central region, serving thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily between Abuja and neighbouring states. Its completion is expected to enhance regional mobility, facilitate trade and investment, and improve the overall transportation experience for road users.

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