The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi has acknowledged that the contractor dealing with the Abuja-Kaduna Highway is requesting about N1.35 trillion to finish the road- up from the N165 billion initially agreed.
Engr. Dave Umahi acknowledged this throughout a gathering with Ministry Administrators in Abuja, the place he clarified that the contracts’ price, scope, and technical elements are set to bear an intensive evaluate.
In accordance with him, preparations for the venture are in progress, however funding poses a problem because the contractor, Julius Berger, is requesting round N1.3 trillion. Moreover, he assured that the venture could be accomplished by 2024.
- He acknowledged, “We have now about 1.7 kilometres left of Abuja-Kaduna in two sections. The ministry has some supervision work to be accomplished on that highway and we will likely be suggested on the true designs of the 2 sections.”
- “Funding can be a difficulty as a result of it’s beneath the presidential improvement fund initiative gotten from looted funds. I’ve needed to talk about with Mr president concerning the significance of the highway for all customers. However I received’t be capable to return to him till we re-scope it as a result of the venture was N165 billion earlier than and a evaluate introduced the associated fee to N655 billion however in the present day the contractor is asking for N1.35 trillion and the federal government can not afford it.”
Assessment of current venture contracts
Talking additional, the Minister defined that he requested a 5% fairness contribution or assure from the contractors to make sure the dedication of these genuinely devoted to the venture.
Senator Umahi emphasised the significance of revisiting current contracts, together with agreements, prices, and geotechnical evaluations, to deal with points hindering the progress of highway initiatives.
- He mentioned, “There’s a must evaluate our venture agreements and prices. After we give the precise costing, the little sources we have now will be capable to go a good distance in direction of assembly the expectations. We’re to evaluate what has been so disadvantageous to our highway development.”
The Minister assured that if the ministry receives N892 billion, all funds could be transparently utilized with no remaining steadiness by December 2024.
