…Expresses Confidence in Timely Completion of Key Infrastructure Projects
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy for contractors who cannot effectively execute projects within the FCT.
The Minister made the statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, February 14, 2024, shortly after a routine inspection of several critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and driving the economic development of the Territory.
The projects inspected include the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometer left side service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to Wasa junction as well as the one service carriageway of the Inner Southern Expressway (INEX) from Ring Road III (RRIII) to Ring Road IV (RRIV), with 15-span bridge in the Idu Industrial Area.
While acknowledging that the previous administration initiated the projects which have been underway for some time, the Minister praised the contractors’ performance and capabilities, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver high-quality work.
The Minister stated that previously encountered issues delaying the projects, including issues of compensation and resettlement of communities along the OSEX left hand service carriageway, as well as securing approval from the Ministry of Works for the INEX to cross over the rail line at Idu have been addressed, paving the way for construction to proceed without further hindrance.
He said the contractors executing the projects have significantly mobilized to the project sites, following the resolution of the issues and were also committed to completing the projects and handing them over by May this year.
According to the Minister, “The one of Apo (The 15 kilometer left hand service carriageway of the OSEX from RR1 to Wasa junction), the contractor, CGC has said that they will speed up work to complete it by May. What took time has to do with compensation issues and resettlement of the communities on the road corridor. But now that that has been done, they have mobilized seriously”.
Speaking further on the INEX, he said “The contractor has also said that they are working very hard to see that they handover by the end of May. Looking at the bridge, you can see it’s serious work. What delayed was the approval from the Ministry of Transportation to, you know, cross the rail line. But now that the approval has come, we believe that more work will be done”.
