........Launches Operation Free Our RoadsThe federal government has commenced immediate work on the dualization of the uncompleted sections of the 375.9 km highway from Abuja to Kano in North West Geo-Political Zone of the country.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi stated this during the flag- off of the completion of the Abuja- Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Highway and the site handover of the 38km dual carriageway section of the road to Dangote Group of Companies at chainage 0+000 Zuba on 27th July 2024.
Speaking during the flag – off and handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister charged the three companies handling the three sections of the project to show absolute devotion to the completion of the project, noting that the Ministry would look at the need for project rate review to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given the last review that was done about 9 months ago.
He said, “So the first section is 38 kilometers by two, which is 76 kilometers. The work is starting today, with palliatives and earthworks, and then they will now start to put reinforced concrete pavement”
The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to launch the federal government’s ‘Operation Free our Roads’, which is aimed at making sure that all the Federal Roads under rehabilitation are made motorable starting from this rainy season.
He said, “.So we are using this as a point of contact to flag off Free our Roads all over the country. And so, they will use stone base to put and free all the potholes. In failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways. Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently work on one carriageway.
Umahi emphasized the need for the Ministry’s engineers to take the task seriously, including those of FERMA.
“And this operation, Free Our Roads, is not only for the Ministry of Works, but also for FERMA. We’re going to put our eyes, all the directors, and all the Zonal engineers of FERMA must take this thing very seriously.And so I will, on behalf of Mr. President, with all gratitude to God and the cooperation of everybody, flag off Operation Free Our Roads and flag off the completion of Abuja to Kaduna, to Zaria, to Kano road, to the glory of God. Amen.”
While at the section handled by Julius Berger Plc, the Minister commended the contractor for already starting work and doing a good job, and maintained that the federal government expected the entire project to be completed and delivered by May 2025.
He said, “So what we will be discussing with Berger is what can we do to finish this job within May 29th. This is very important because we don’t want to stay here beyond May 29th, 2025. And so what Berger can not finish, we would also have to take it over and give to Dangote under Tax Credit and for reinforced concrete pavement.”