Abdullahi Ahmed, managing director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), says the Uba Sani-led administration has spent N8.2 billion on the completion of the Kabala-Costain dualisation project, which was abandoned by the previous government.
Speaking on Thursday during an inspection of the project,
Ahmed said the road was stalled due to “major design flaws and funding
challenges”.
Ahmed said the current administration cleared an inherited
debt of N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and released an additional N6
billion to mobilise China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)
back to the site.
He said the governor inherited the project at only 35
percent completion, contrary to claims by the previous administration, adding
that out of 2.7 kilometres, only about 600 metres and one bridge were done.
He added that the redesign of the project became necessary
after investigations revealed structural flaws and drainage issues that
increased flood risks.
“When we resumed, we discovered the initial design was
unsafe; it had a sharp curve immediately after the bridge, which could cause
accidents. We redesigned it to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety,” Ahmed
said.
Shakirudeen Akinloye, chief consultant for the project, said
the initial design contained a “sharp curve” immediately after the bridge,
which posed safety risks.
Akinloye noted that the intervention of the governor
prevented further deterioration of the site after work stopped in 2022.
“The initial design had engineering flaws. The redesign now
includes a gentle curve and a second bridge to address flooding and safety
concerns. Safety comes first in engineering,” he said.
“Rather than spending more to stabilise the soil, the
present government approved a second bridge, which is both faster and cheaper.”
Henry Zhang, project manager for the CCECC Kaduna office,
confirmed that the project was revived after the government cleared outstanding
debts and released new funds.
“With the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the project has
been revived and is progressing smoothly,” Zhang said.
“We are determined to deliver a high-quality road that will
improve traffic flow, connect communities, and support Kaduna’s economic
growth.”
The 2.7-kilometre Kabala–Costain dualisation project
connects Aliyu Makama road and Costain junction in Kaduna north.
When completed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion,
reduce flooding, and boost economic connectivity between Kaduna north and
Kaduna south.
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