Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of 2.6km twin flyovers in Mararaba in Karu Local Government, aimed at addressing the persistent traffic gridlock on the Keffi-Abuja expressway.
Governor Sule performed the groundbreaking during a colourful ceremony in Mararaba on Friday.Concerned by the gridlock caused on the expressway, the Governor apologised to commuters affected by the event, stressing the significance of the project which when completed, would finally address the notorious traffic congestion on that stretch of the federal highway leading into the FCT.
He disclosed that his administration has paid the contractor handling the project, Triacta Nigeria Limited, N19bn upfront in order to facilitate timely delivery of the project expected to be completed in 18 months.
According to him, it is taking his administration close to seven years to be able to execute such a landmark project because the road belongs to the federal government and that previously the administration lacked the financial muscle to even contemplate such projects.Giving inside as to the design of the project, Governor Sule said:
“This job here is going to cost us over N39bn, and that is the reason I came up, like the contractor has mentioned, with the concept, not design of exactly what I was expecting to be done.
“We are going to have two flyovers, with two roundabouts under the flyovers. The first roundabout is going to be right at Abacha Road. After that, we are also going to have another roundabout at the technology village junction.
“But the most important aspect of what you are going to see here is what we call a raised highway. From the beginning of entering Nasarawa State until you get close to the international market, you are going to be on a highway that nobody can cross.
That is the idea of what is going to be. There is going to be a flyover, raised highway, flyover, raised highway, and then going down. This is the kind of design that we have,” he stated.
Governor Sule used the opportunity of the event to further commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for initiating fiscal reforms that is making states like Nasarawa to undertake capital intensive projects such as the Mararaba twin flyovers.
He pointed out that as a result of the improved revenue coming to the state, the project being kick-started marks the seventh intervention by his administration on federal highways in the state. “This is the 7th intervention we are having on the federal highways.
Others are the dualization inside Akwanga, dualization on Muhammadu Buhari Way, flyover and interchange in Lafia, underpass in Akwanga, flyover in Keffi. All of these are on federal highways,” he said.
The Governor also appreciated the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi for always considering and giving approval to requests by his administration to intervene on a federal road in the state.
“The biggest of all is this particular project. We can’t just go and start working on the federal highway without getting permission from the federal government. At this moment, let me specially thank the Federal Minister of Works, my dear brother and friend, Senator Dave Umahi. Every time we go to him looking for these kinds of approvals, he would expedite and gives us the approvals,” he said.
In a remark, Area Manager Triacta Nigeria Limited, Engr. Fersen Daou, said his company has a clear goal of delivering a seamless corridor for highway traffic between Abuja and Keffi that does not intersect with the town’s internal traffic, thereby reducing congestion and improving commute times.Daou said Triacta has been privileged to deliver landmark projects in Nasarawa State since 2003, listing the Lafia airport, dualization of Lafia-Shendam dual carriageway and the Lafia flyover and underpass as some of the projects delivered by his company.
“Our commitment to excellence and timely delivery has earned us the confidence that we cherish today. Today, we begin a new chapter with this project awarded through the NUDB,” he said.
He appreciated Governor Sule for finding the company worthy of executing yet another monumental project.”I extend our sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule for your unwavering trust in Triacta.
Your visionary leadership inspires us to continue delivering infrastructure that drives growth and prosperity,” he said.He however appealed to residents and stakeholders in Karu Local Government for understanding as Triacta work to minimise disruption as work commenced on site in earnest.
“To the stakeholders and community members of Karu Local Government, we solicit for your support and cooperation throughout this project. Your understanding is vital as we work together to minimise disruption and ensure safety during construction,” he added.
Earlier, in an opening remarks, Managing Director/CEO, Nasarawa Urban Development Agency (NUDA), Engineer Mohammed Yahaya Wada, said the project is meant to address the multifaceted problems in Mararaba which has defied previous efforts.”His Excellency, in his usual patriotism, intelligent and professional approach, promised to put an end to this problem.
As an engineer he promised to prove the fact that engineers are trained to solve problems, irrespective of its magnitude, quantum and complexity,” he said.Engr. Wada described the project as a “complex of engineering structures that provide circular interchanges, overhead bridges, and pedestrian bridges.
“Also in their goodwill messages, lawmaker representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as well as the paramount traditional ruler in the area, the Esu Karu, HRH Pharmacist Luka Panya Baba, commended Governor Sule for undertaking the transformative project.
For Senator Wadada, not every leader is capable of effectively utilising available resources like Governor Sule. “Opening up Karu is opening up Nasarawa State, opening up Nasarawa State is opening up Nigeria. Because Karu is the heart of Nasarawa State.
These projects are a result of the proceeds of the removal of fuel subsidy. Yes, it is because of the proceeds of the removal of subsidy, but it is one thing for a leader to have resources available to him and it is completely a different ball game for that leader to know and be able to utilise the resources judiciously and effectively,” he said.For the Esu Karu, the project is another milestone in the development aspirations of the people of the area.
“On behalf of the entire people of Karu Local Government, we thank you most sincerely for what is happening today. I want to say that we in Karu, today is a very significant day in our lives, because of what this occasion is to us,” he said.
The royal father assured the contractor handling the project of maximum support and cooperation.
