David Umahi, the minister of works, says the proposed
Abuja-Lagos highway will be completed in four years.
In a press conference on Saturday, the minister said driving
from Lagos to Abuja will take 4 hours when the project is completed.
The minister of works said the construction of the
Lagos-Abuja highway is going to take four years, and the road will be solely
made with concrete, which is “cheaper than asphalt”.
At the press conference in Lagos, Umahi, flanked by Kenny
Martins, the chairman of Advance Engineering Company – consortium in charge of
the highway – said the project, a Public Private Partnership (PPP), would be
solely funded by the consortium in charge.
He added that the federal government would only be in charge
of supervision.
“When I first introduced this to the public, many doubting
Thomases were saying ‘it is impossible, Lagos-Abuja that is done in 14 hours
cannot be done in four and half hours’, that is the renewed hope of Mr
President,” he said.
“The president has approved that I fast-track this project.
This project is going to be two lanes, but each lane is going to be a
two-carriage way and it is going to be 14 metres.
“The only carriageway
that is equivalent to this is the third mainland bridge where each carriageway
is 14 metres. It is going to be built on 275-millimeter thick concrete.”
Unahi also said the live-shelf design of the project will be
100 years, adding that it would also include a number of bridges and tolling
points.
“We are not putting any kobo but we will assist them in
every direction. I give kudos to Advance Engineering Company, I am very
satisfied with their concept and what they have put in place.
“So, the next thing is to bring the business proposal so we
can negotiate on what the cost of the project is going to be. Then they go to
the ministry of finance and negotiate on the issue of their money.
“The good thing is
that we are building this road on concrete so we can predict the cost of this
project. In asphalt, you cannot predict the cost. The cost of asphalt roads
changes every month.”
In addition, the minister explained that “concrete roads are
more durable and cheaper than asphalt”. He also said he has given directives
that “all ongoing projects that have not advanced up to 80 percent” should be
completed using concrete.
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