John Adams, Minna
In continuation of its special intervention on the repairs of some major roads across the state, Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has flagged off the reconstruction of the 11kilometer Minna City Gate-Chanchaga dual carriage way at the cost N403million.
The Minna City Gate – Chanchaga dual carriage Road, is a portion of the Minna – Suleja highway which has over the years remained a nightmare to residents and commuters plying it.
Flagging off the reconstruction work in Minna on Monday, the Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, said the work, when completed will mark the end of hardship by motorists plying the ever busy road.
The governor who was represented by his Chief Of Staff, Mallam Ibrahim Balarabe who is also the Chairman of the state Infrastructure Monitoring Committee said the work will be completed within six weeks despite the rain.
According to him, “the road which measure 5.5 Kilometres is considered double as it is a dual carriage road, bringing the total to 11Kilometres, is to be fixed at the cost of N403 Million. I therefore urge commuters to bear with the situation and any inconvenience as well as give maximum corporation towards the success of the project”.
He explained that the State Government opted for the H&M Engineering Company considering its quest for quality and standard work bearing in mind that articulated vehicles usually ply the road daily.
According to him, “though it is a Federal Government Road, it has caused untold hardship to our people hence the order by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for immediate intervention”, adding that to avoid gridlock at the commencement of work, one lane of the road would be addressed before the other”.
The state government is currently embarking on the construction of over 15 major roads, mostly township the four major cities of the state.
Meanwhile, the state government has warned contractors handling road projects across the state not to compromise quality and standards as captured in contract agreements.
Speaking while inspection the rehabilitation of Maje-kwamba Road in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, the Chairman of the Infrastructure Monitoring Committee, Ibrahim Balarebe said that some defects has been identified by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello on the work done by the contractor handling the project.
According to him, the Governor intimated the Committee on the identified defects which have to do with side drains, stone pitching laying and the road shoulders which are not in consonance with the scope and specifications of the contract agreement.
He said that the government is however satisfied with the asphalt laid, and urged the contractor to make necessary efforts towards addressing the anomalies.
Responding the Project Manager, Mr Paul Ubong assured that the contractor will correct the observations made as they are critical.