By Oluwaseun Sonde
The Federal Government has reiterated it's determination to complete more highway projects across the country for the benefit of Nigerians and members of the Public before the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.
The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Hon.Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub gave the assurance in Kano, Kano State during an inspection tour of phase one of the Kano-Katsina dual carriage way over the weekend.
He said, "We will give all the necessary support to ensure all road infrastructure projects across the country are completed so double your effort to deliver on time."
This was contained in a statement released by the Ministry Director, Press and Public Relations, Blessing Lere-Adams, while El-Yakub noted that the administration of President Buhari is known for investment in highway infrastructure development.
The Minister added that road and other infrastructure development projects have generally gotten more boost from this administration than previous ones.
"I believe that most roads and other infrastructure development projects in the country have gotten more boost from this administration of President Buhari who is known to invest in infrastructure development and to ensure completion of infrastructure projects that were started by previous administrations in this country."
The Minister stressed the need for the installation of road markings and signages on the already completed sections of the road for smooth and safe driving on the road.
"I understand you have enough materials at your disposal to do the markings and the signages. We expect to see that is done because they are very essential in ensuring smooth and safe driving on roads," said El-Yakub.
He reiterated that the Ministry would not relent in ensuring that the quality of work on all road projects across the country are in line with acceptable standards.
As the 73.10km dual carriage road project is now being funded by Sukuk, the Minister added that funding is no more a challenge.
He promised the contractor that all the necessary support needed would be given for timely completion of the project.
"The Federal Government has solved the funding problem by putting the project under SUKUK funded projects," he said.
The Minister of State encouraged the contractor to keep up with the pace and the quality of work on ground.
He further urged them to intensify more efforts to complete the road project on or before the agreed completion date.
"I can see the reconstruction work. You have achieved a lot. That is appreciable despite some challenges. The work will continue to progress.
"We intend to complete this road hopefully before the end of this year,but you said next year but I want us to challenge ourselves and try to finish the project before the end of the year because you have done more work," said the minister.
The Director Highways, North West Engr. Adetayo Taiwo said the road project inspected had progressed smoothly leaving no stone unturn.
"The contractor has left no room for any form of condemnation, they are working the way they should work," he said.
The Project Engineer Messrs China Engineering Construction Company Ltd (CECC), Engr. Ren Shao Shuai said the project would be delivered on time.
He added that they were working in line with the laid down specifications.
He thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to work in the country.
Another road inspected was the construction of a 38.7km Yakasai- Badune-Damargu-Marken Zaklli Single Carriage Way in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State being handled by the same contractor.
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