By Chioma Favour
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality execution and near completion of the ongoing Mararaba-Keffi Road reconstruction and expansion project linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Nasarawa State.
Umahi gave the commendation during an inspection tour of the 43.65-kilometre road project on Saturday, describing the work as technically completed and ready for commissioning after a few outstanding issues are addressed.
The minister praised the contractor for delivering quality infrastructure under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
According to him, the project, awarded in June 2023 at a cost of N73.9 billion, will significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and enhance connectivity along the busy Abuja-Keffi corridor.
“We are very pleased with the quality of work done by China Harbour Engineering Company. The project is technically completed and almost ready for commissioning,” Umahi stated.
He, however, expressed concern over outstanding payments owed to the contractor under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Tax Credit Scheme.
Umahi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already approved the release of funds for outstanding commitments and appealed for prompt disbursement to avoid delays.
“We owe the contractor a substantial amount on this project. The President has approved payment, and the funds should be released without delay,” he said.
The minister further explained that innovative engineering designs were introduced into the project, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.
He also commended Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for complementary infrastructure projects around the corridor, especially the construction of flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion.
Umahi directed contractors handling adjoining projects to adopt night-time construction schedules where necessary to minimise inconvenience to motorists and commuters.
“We must put the people first and avoid causing unnecessary hardship to road users while carrying out these projects,” he added.
Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Yakubu Usman, disclosed that the road had attained 99.8 per cent completion.
Usman explained that only minor ancillary works, including installation of streetlights, kerbs and U-drains, remained outstanding.
He described the project as a model for future federal highway construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would strengthen the pavement structure and extend the lifespan of the road.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company, Wang Wenfei, appreciated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the National Assembly for their support throughout the execution of the project.
He assured that all observations raised during the inspection would be addressed promptly.
The Mararaba-Keffi Road remains one of the busiest transport corridors in the North-Central region, serving thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles travelling daily between Abuja and neighbouring states.
The project is expected to boost trade, improve regional mobility and stimulate socio-economic activities upon commissioning.
