Minister charges contractors to expedite action on Kano Western by-pass, Kano-Dayi dual carriage roads

Declares FG readiness to flag off the third phase of NHS in Kano

The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work at the Kano Western Bypass and Kano Dayi dual carriage roads in Kano.

El-Yakub worried that the multi-billion naira Federal Government critical infrastructure initiated to enhance smooth vehicular movement and socio-economic development on the Kano-Katsina corridor is already over-stretching its time-lapse.

The minister, who raised the concern during an inspection visit to the ongoing projects and National Housing Scheme (NHS) in Kano, however, maintained that government would not hesitate to apply all necessary measures that would ensure the completion of the projects before the expiration of the present administration.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in Kano, Yahaya Baba-Ali, told the minister that the 26.6km dual carriageway Kano Western Bypass was being handled by Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Limited, commenced the contract in May 2007 with a completion period of 36 months.

The controller, however, revealed that despite approval of the contract extension period slated for 2017, the over N22.7 billion contract is at 71.18 per cent completion. Similarly, Baba-Ali revealed that the 84 km length Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Katsina dual carriageway, being contracted by Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited, is yet to progress beyond 2.30 per cent.

Reacting to the concern, Project Manager, Dantata &Sawoe, Roy Hungushi, highlighted causes leading to the slow pace of work at Kano Western Bypass including variation in the cost of raw materials as a result of the inflation rate, the inconsistent release of funds, as well as rainy weather conditions. He said the contract is still awaiting government approval on the proposed review of the contract time lapse.

On his part, Project Manager, Messer CGC Limited, Mr. Mei Shouchm, attributed the slow pace of work to issues around compensation. The Chinese engineer urged the federal government to prevail on Kano and Katsina state governments to resolve the challenge with the locals.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed the readiness of the Federal Government to flag off construction of the third phase of low-cost accommodation under the National Housing Scheme (NHS) in Kano. He made the declaration during a similar inspection of the site at Jaba quarters, off Panisau road in Kano.

El-Yakub emphasised that similar to 132 housing units unveiled recently under the first and second phases in Kano, the accommodation would be made available in three models, including mortgage, rent by option and outright purchase. He reminded that 2,600 housing units under the National Housing Scheme have been completed in 25 states, out of 5,946 units designated across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.

The minister stressed that beyond the provision of affordable accommodation for Nigerians, the Federal Government is delighted in the socio-economic development the scheme has attracted across the country.

He declared that with 1,216 local contractors engaged nationwide, over 70,000 direct job opportunities have been provided, thereby heralding robust economic activities around the host communities where the project is being sited.