The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved N65.223 billion for the reconstruction of the Benin-Sagamu road.
Briefing journalists at the end of this week’s FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku said the contract for the reconstruction of outstanding sections of Benin-Ofosu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu expressway phase II was awarded to Messrs RCC Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 36 months.
Mr Maku said that the approval followed a memo brought to Council by the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen.
He said “the outstanding sections of the road are in disrepair’ there is need to reconstruct them to ease traffic flow along the road.
“The road, when rehabilitated will not only improve the socio-economic activities of the area, but will also, reduce vehicle operating costs, travel time and accidents on the road.”
The Minister said when completed, the reconstructed road will generate employment for Nigerians as well as impact positively on the informal sector of the economy.
The Council also approved the purchase of various search and rescue operation items for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The items according to Mr Maku are: GSSI Life Locator by Messrs DAMS-A (Nig) Ltd, in the sum of N161,406,388.00; Rapid Intervention Vehicles by Messrs DAN-CLINTON (Nig) Ltd, in the sum of N400,551,272.00; Fully Equipped Emergency Rescue Vehicles by Messrs B.T.L Brothers Ltd, in the sum of N251,680,000.00; and 328 sets of Helmets, Harness, Lanyards & Absorbers, Descenders, Fall Arrestors, Ascenders, Aluminium & Steel Carabineers to Messrs DOM Communications Ltd, in the sum of N120,227,377.64.
According to him, “the rampant increase in the spate of disasters in the country has continued to stretch the resources of NEMA on terms of equipment and logistics”.
More roads in Abuja
Another contract approved by the Council was for the construction of 10 lanes Southern Parkway in the sum of N10.901 billion thereby bringing the total contract sum to N16.235 billion.
Mr Maku said the approval was part of the efforts to reduce the heavy traffic being experienced in the city, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) had already began the construction of the Southern Parkway from the Christian Centre S8/S9 to ring road 1 to complement the existing Northern Parkway.
The Minister said when completed, the Southern Parkway would undoubtedly ease the increasing heavy traffic situation in the Southern parts of the FCT within the corridors of already developed and fast developing districts like Central Area, Garki, Gudu and Durumi.
The Council also approved the sum of N2.835 billion for phase II contract for the provision of infrastructure to Apo Estate layout. Thereby bring the total sum of phase I and II to N5.755 billion. The contract is in favour of Messrs Cat Construction Group (Nig.) Ltd.
The council also ratified the President’s anticipatory approval for the Sagbama erosion control rehabilitation works in Bayelsa State in favour of Messrs Nigerian Westminister dredging and marine limited in the sum of N1.501 billion, with completion period of 12 months.
