The representative of the Federal Ministry of Works, Nelson Olubakinde has explained the reasons behind the delay on Section II of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction and expansion project, saying the initiative is being hampered by challenges of finance, adverse weather and impatience of motorists.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the project is being handled by Reynolds Construction Company.
Olubakinde, who spoke to NAN in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said: “The construction company (RCC) is facing challenges of finance, weather, especially rain, and impatience on the part of road users, often resulting in accidents within work location.
“For instance, during the rainy season, artwork and asphalt work laying are usually suspended.” NAN reports that the construction contract, valued at N96.3 billion, commenced on June 4 and has a completion date of July 3, 2017.
Olubakinde, however, said the construction effort was under Public Private Partnership arrangement with Motorway Assets Limited as Leasee, while the ministry was the guarantor.
“The consultants to Motorway Assets Limited is the INTERCON Partnership Consulting Engineers,” he explained.
Speaking on the standard of the job done, Olubakinde said new methods in road construction had been brought to bear on the project. He said: “For example, apart from the fact that the thickness of the road has been enhanced, it has also been expanded to ensure free traffic flow.”
He also said the project had reached 25.98 per cent completion inspite of the challenges. NAN reports that the theme of the contract award was: “Rehabilitation, Re-Construction and Expansion.” The ministry’s representative also said apart from ensuring the stability of the project, a sub-section of the road had been opened for use in the last one year to pave way for correction of any defect.
NAN also reports that the other end of the road from Shagamu Inter-Change to Lagos is being handled by Julius Berger Plc, with RCC in charge of the other end to Ibadan.
