FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike has promised to ensure that contractors undertaking the ongoing construction of the interchange bridge and road linking Maitama, Gishiri and Jahi to Gwarinpa are provided with sufficient funds to expedite its completion.
Notably, Wike noted that when well funded, the contractors will be able to complete the interchange bridge in the next three months.
He spoke on Friday 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.
It was concluded that the portion of the N16 Arterial Road passes through the Gwarimpa Estate, and the segment of the road when developed will provide access to the Gwarimpa Estate, located within the districts of Bunkoro and Wupa, as well as Sector Center E, which is the center of commercial and social activities comprising a group of four districts, namely; Gwarimpa II – C03, Kafe – C05, Wupa – C15 and Bunkoro – C18 districts in Phase III of the Federal Capital City.
Furthermore, the stretch from RRI to Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) within Katampe District was developed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to commemorate the second anniversary of his administration.
However, the stretch from N20 to RRII is being developed under the Jahi District Infrastructure Project, leaving the stretch from RRIII to Arterial Road N40 undeveloped to link the road leading to Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana districts.
According to the minister, from what he has seen, the contractors have done very well since they promised that the exchange section of the project would be completed in the next three months.
“(The project) was awarded before we came on board. And I know that I came here before, sometimes in November of last year 2024. At that time they were doing the piling work.
“What surprises me is the confidence they have, even though we haven’t funded them very well. I can see the level of work, the level of work they have done.
“I am really impressed and we are going to make sure that the contractor, having confidence in us, we will make sure that the work is well funded, so that he can complete it as promised in the next three months.
“The quality of work is quite encouraging. And I want to thank Mr. President for the trust he also has in us. And that is why most contractors work even without financing, believing that they will be paid.
“And that is what is required. I am very happy. And this will decongest the traffic situation, this leads to Gwarimpa Estate,” he said.
He continued: “It’s really amazing. I’m sure the residents here will be happy at the end of the day when this exchange is completed.
“I must congratulate you. And tell the people of Abuja that this administration means well. And all we are doing for Abuja is competing with other cities in the world.
“And these are things we say: When contractors have confidence in management, nothing can stop them from moving forward. So that’s what it is.”