In preparation for the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja, from March 8, for the repair of its runway, the Federal Government has completed the rehabilitation of the Kaduna – Abuja expressway. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works & Housing, on March 1, 2017 commissioned the completed emergency repair works on the Kaduna – Abuja dual carriageway. The Abuja – Kaduna and Kaduna – Abuja bound carriageways are 165km each bringing it to a total of 330km.
The Minister explained that the planned closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and redirection of all flights to the Kaduna International Airport for a period of six weeks had informed the emergency works to address the failed sections, potholes and multiple cracks on the dual carriageway.
Fashola said that the award of the contract worth more than one billion Naira to Messers CGC Nigeria Limited was to avoid a scenario where the failed portions and potholes created black spots resulting in avoidable accidents, kidnapping, robbery, elongated travel time and high vehicle operating cost.
The Minister was satisfied with the excellent job done by the contractor within such a short period having gone on an inspection tour of the road stating that good roads guarantee safety, road users’ comfort, reduces commuters travel time and timely delivery of goods and services.
Fashola also said that he is optimistic that his counterpart in the aviation sector will equally deliver the repair works of the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport within the stipulated six weeks taking a cue from Messers CGC Nigeria Limited who once again have shown that their good track record, timely delivery and reliability are not questionable.
By Pita Ochai