Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality execution of the ongoing Mararaba-Keffi Road project.

Mr Umahi made the remarks on Saturday during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre road reconstruction and expansion project linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Nasarawa State.

He also appealed for the prompt release of outstanding funds that have been approved for the project.

The minister said the project, executed under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, had reached technical completion.

He added that the project would be ready for commissioning after a few outstanding observations were addressed.

“We are very happy with China Harbour. They have done a very good job. Today, the job is technically completed and ready for commissioning.

“The few observations we have made will be addressed before then,” he said.

Mr Umahi noted that the project, awarded in June 2023 at a cost of N73.9 billion, would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion along the busy Abuja-Keffi corridor.

He, however, expressed concern over outstanding payments owed to the contractor under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Tax Credit Scheme.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment of outstanding commitments under the scheme, and the funds should be released without delay.

“We are owing the contractor quite a lot on this project. The President has approved the payment, and I appeal that the funds be released promptly.

“I feel unhappy when contractors are encouraged to work and the approved funds are withheld,” he said.

Mr Umahi also noted that design innovations were introduced on the project, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.

He also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for complementary infrastructure projects around the corridor, particularly flyovers aimed at improving traffic flow.

Mr Umahi further directed contractors handling adjoining projects to adopt night-time construction schedules where necessary to minimise inconvenience to road users.

“We must put the people first. While carrying out these projects, we should not subject road users to unnecessary hardship,” he said.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Yakubu Usman, said the road had attained 99.8 per cent completion.

Mr Usman said only a few ancillary works, including the installation of streetlights, kerbs, and U-drains, remained outstanding.

He added that the project was a model for future federal highway construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would protect the pavement structure and extend the road’s lifespan.

The Chairman of CHEC, Wang Wenfei, on behalf of the contractor, appreciated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works, and the National Assembly for their support throughout the project.

“With the support of the Minister of Works and the National Assembly, we have successfully completed the job.

“We will also address the observations and directives given during the inspection as quickly as possible,” Nr Wang said.

The Mararaba-Keffi Road is one of the busiest transport corridors in the North-Central region, serving thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles travelling between Abuja and neighbouring states daily.

The project is expected to boost regional mobility, facilitate trade, and stimulate socio-economic activities along the corridor upon commissioning. 

(NAN)