FG assures on dualisation of all highways

Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememen, Director, Highways, South-South, Chukwunwike Uzo (by his right) with some traditional rulers and indigenes of Kogi state during the flagging-off of dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road

The federal government has assured that the entire arterial routes nationwide will be dualized to ensure that citizens travel on a dual carriageway across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

This assurance was given by the minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen when he flagged off the dualization of Lokoja-Benin road as a continuation of the on-going dualization of part of Route A2, from Abuja - Lokoja.    

Arc. Mike Onolememen stated that the project is in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s promise during his electioneering campaign in response to the yearning of Nigerians to transform the road sector.

He noted that the transformation of the road is with a view to developing the country economically by linking the six geo-political zones with dual carriageways.

Onolememen disclosed that the project will be funded through SURE-P which has injected the much needed funds required for the completion of the four sections of the road project by March, 2014.  

The minister deplored the practice of unnecessary demand on the contractors as it discouraged contractors and made them pass-on the additional costs to the Government.

He however urged traditional rulers and community leaders to be hospitable and accord the contractors their fullest cooperation needed to be able to work under a hitch free environment for the realization of the laudable projects within the agreed timeframe.

Arc. Onolememen also told the contractors to adhere that quality and deadline set by the government. “The Federal Executive Council has approved the use of Local Content in the execution of the project. You (contractors) have to create job opportunities more especially to the people on the alignment.”

The road project is expected to be successfully delivered within the scheduled time of next thirty (30) months.

The minister also flagged off other road projects at each section, thus: Section I: Obajana Junction-Okene Road to be handled by Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Section II: Okene-Auchi Road by Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Limited; Section III: Auchi-Ehor Road by Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Co. Nigeria Limited; and Section IV: Ehor-Benin City Road by Messrs RCC Nigeria Limited.

He also flagged off the construction of bridges on Auchi/Ekperi Road handled by Messrs Nigercat Construction Co. Limited; Construction of Uzea-Ohe-Afuda-Usugbenu-Irrua, Ivue Ibore-Irrua Road, and a pedestrian bridge at the gate of Auchi Polytechnics also handled by Messrs Nigercat Construction Co. Limited.