The 83 kilometer minna-Bida road
is a priority project of the Niger state government and to demonstrate its commitment, the state commenced the 15.5 kilometer dual carraige with its own part of the counterpart, pending when the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) approved funds will be released.
It against this backdrop, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far on the 15.5km dual-carriage way on Minna-Bida road.
Governor Sani Bello who inspected the road and some other road projects to ascertain the level of work done said if the pace of work on the road project is sustained, he is optimistic that it would be completed within the specified time frame.
On the issue of compensation to residents around the affected area for dualization, the Governor disclosed that compensation is being paid in stages and that the first stage amounting to over 300 Million Naira has been paid, adding that the second stage payment will commence soon.
“With regards to the capacity of the company and the quality of work, I am satisfied.
“Hopefully, we will begin the second stage of payment of compensation. If they continue at this pace, they will meet up as long as we don’t have any hitches as regards funding”, he said.
The Project Manager, Dantata and Sawoe, Naafey Bin Shaukat while explaining that the work was being delayed due to payment of compensation said that so far almost 12Km of the left lane of the road has been asphalted and work is ongoing on the right lane side of the road from kpakungu to Garatu.
Shaukat further stated that they are constructing 15.5Km dual-carriage way assuring that the quality of work will not be compromised.
The Governor also inspected the 1.5billion Naira Five number roads on old Alheri road, the 2.25 Imani road as well as a 3.2km canal at F-lay out 1 and 2.
While the Governor was satisfied with the work at the Old Alheri Road, he was however not pleased with the pace of work at the Imani junction project where 50 percent of the total sum has been paid to the contractor.
“The old Alheri road project is very good, the standard and the quality of work is good. The project is 5 number roads, they are doing the first one now and they also promised that by the end of October they will lay asphalt on that road. So we will wait and see but so far their work is commendable.
“The Imani road is a bond project and usually with bond projects there shouldn’t be any problem because the money is guaranteed.
“To be honest I am happy with the state of the road even though the contractor has convinced me and gave excuses of raining season and electric poles he however promised that in two months time we will see reasonable work done and if after two months the work is not done we will go back to the drawing board”, he said.
The Governor was in company of his Deputy Alhaji Muhammad Ahmed Ketso, his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe and some members of the state executive council.
