By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the ongoing construction of bridge and road linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi and Gwarinpa will be completed in the next Three months, promising that the contractors handling the projects will be well funded.
Wike stated this while inspecting the project titled: Full scope development of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with Two Interchange Bridges at N16/RRII and N16/RIII intersections in Abuja on Friday.
It was gathered that the portion of the Arterial Road N16 traverses the Gwarimpa Housing Estate, and the segment of the road when developed will provide access to the Gwarimpa Housing Estate, located within Bunkoro and Wupa Districts as well as Sector Center E which is the hub of commercial and social activities comprising group of four districts namely; Gwarimpa II – C03, Kafe – C05, Wupa – C15 and Bunkoro – C18 Districts in Phase III of the Federal Capital City.
Also, the portion from RRI to Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) within Katampe District was developed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to mark 2nd year Anniversary of his Administration.
However, the portion from N20 to RRII is being developed under Jahi District Infrastructure Project, leaving the undeveloped portion from RRIII to Arterial Road N40 to link the road that leads to the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana Districts.
According to the minister, from what he has seen, the contractors have done very well as they promised that in the next three months, the interchange section of the project would have been completed.
“It (the project) was awarded before we came on board. And I know I came here before, sometimes November last year 2024. At that time they were doing the piling work.
“What surprises me is the confidence they have, even though we have not funded them very well. I can see the level of job, the level of work that they have done.
“I’m really impressed and we are going to make sure that the contractor, having that confidence in us, we will make sure that the job is well funded, so that they will be able to complete it like they promised in the next three months.
“The quality of job is quite encouraging. And I want to thank Mr. President for the confidence he also has in us. And that’s why most contractors are working even without the funding, believing that they will be paid.
“And that is what is required. I’m so happy. And this will decongest the traffic situation, this leads to Gwarimpa Estate”, he stated.
He continued: “It’s really amazing. I’m sure residents here will be happy at the end of the day when this interchange is completed.
“I must commend them. And tell the people of Abuja that this administration means well. And all we’re doing for Abuja is to compete with other cities in the world.
“And these are things we say that when contractors have confidence in the administration, nothing can stop you moving forward. So that’s what it is.”
