FLASH POINT

By Sajidah Usman, Kaduna

Against the rising tide of public complains on the slow pace of Western Bye pass Roads construction in Kaduna, the Controller Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Ulagu Loveday has assured the motorists, road users as well as the Igabi community that the project would be completed on or before December 20th, 2026, by the grace of God.

Engineer Loveday gave the assurance in a phone interview on Sunday, while reacting to public complains on the slow pace of the project.

He said, they are aware of incessant public complains, but they should bear with them and the contractor whom they believed is doing his best to do an excellent job that could stand the rigours and test of time.

“Every casting made requres about 28days setting time before it can be put to use. These are some of the things the society are not privy to. A lot of patience is needed for us to get the job done. Don’t also forget the sudden rise in the cost of diesel, cement and are fuel is also a factor,” he reiterated.

The Controller then gave details that the contract was awarded on 4th August, 2021, while the project Length is (21.5 X 2) which equals 43.000 kilometers, the initial Completion date was put at 2nd May, 2023 which was later extended to December 20th, 2026.

He then enumerated some of the obstacle being faced such as heavy traffic and congestion along the project corridor that caused frequent delay in material delivery and reduced productivity at the work zone; movement of construction materials from the batching plant to the (approximately 20km) was slow due urban traffic, affecting concrete quality and schedules.

Among other obstacles, he said there is stealing of construction materials by hoodlums around the work area which results in material loses, work stoppages, and increased cost, among other hurdles.

The Controller then said all stockholders – The Ministry, Contractors and the sub-Contractors collaboratively devising a permanent solution to the
challenges and traffic management measures, including warning signs, barricades, and coordination with traffic authorities are being drafted to the project sites to ensure the project moves speedily.

Engineer Loveday then admitted that they are on top of the projects as his office generate daily progress reports which they summaries and send weekly to the federal ministry of Works in Abuja.

In conclusion, Engineer Loveday seeks public understanding and patience as the contractor is capable to deliver within the stipulated period.