In its quest to improve the socio- economic lives of its citizenry and the nation, the Federal Government has challenged its contractors handling federal road projects across the country on quick delivery before the end of its tenure.This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs. Blessing Lere-Adams over the weekend.
According to the statement, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El-Yakubu gave the charge while inspecting the Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road Section 1, covering Kano – Wudil – Shuarin awarded to Messrs Dantata and Sawoe Construction Co, Nigeria Limited since 2006.
El-Yakubu said that the government, on its part would continue to push and support speedy and commissioning of all roads nearing completion before the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.
The Minister of State noted that all road contracts were being awarded to competent and capable contractors and so there was no reason why they couldn’t deliver on time as funding which might be the challenge had been addressed by the Government of President Muhammdu Buhari.
El-Yakub also disclosed that the project had taken too long but the commitment of the present administration to deliver on road infrastructure, because of the recognition of its importance to lives and livelihood in job creation and national development by providing alternative funding schemes apart from the yearly budgetary allocation.
The Minister further admonished all contractors to engage the youths more especially the graduates to be given proper training on construction sites for them to have practical knowledge of what they studied in the universities and higher institutions in order to ensure competent personnels and technicians in the construction industry.
He added that more Nigerians should be allowed to participate in construction companies be it foreign or Nigerian owned.
He therefore, appreciated the contractor for the work done so far and encouraged them to increase their pace and achieve more before the end of the year.
Briefing the Minister of State earlier on the scope of work, the Engineer Representative on site, Engr. Hanish Kolayoka Sarjius explained that the 207.73 km road project was awarded in 2006 but had a set back because of lack of fund, but since the project was placed under SUKUK, there had been an appreciable work done on the road.
He added that the flyovers 1 and 2 and river bridges 1, 2, and 3 had been completed and so the overall percentage completion work to date was 69.57% with a time lapse of 103.83%.
The Project Manager of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited, Engr. Roy Hunushi appreciated the Federal Government for awarding the contract to them, saying that the project would be delivered and that they were working in line with the laid down procedures.
He also requested for the release of fund to enable them deliver the project as scheduled though the rainy season had delayed the pace of work on site.
