CHEC completes expansion, dualisation of 225.4km road projects

Chinese construction giant, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited says it has successfully completed the expansion of the 5.4km Abuja-Keffi expressway and the dualization of the 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road project.

The firm confirmed that the road is now under a concessionary phase of maintenance that would last 25 years.

Addressing journalists during a tour of the project at their site office in Lafia, the project manager, Li Qiang Qiang said though the company went through a lot of challenges during the construction phase, it was able to overcome them to ensure that the project was delivered within the contractual time frame.

“For a project of this magnitude, we are happy that we delivered within a time frame, meeting our contractual obligation to the Federal Government of Nigeria irrespective of challenges. The project was signed in April 2019 and that was the year we had a global shutdown as a result of Covid-19.

“This was a major drawback to the smooth takeoff of the project. There were land acquisition and right-of-way issues, we had to relocate power lines and water pipes. There were difficulties, but we are happy that we were able to overcome all of them and still deliver this road within four years thereby meeting our contractual obligation.

“Initially people thought that it was a joke considering similar projects in other parts of the country that take decades before completion but we have been able to prove skeptics wrong. You can see the quality of the road. Before now it took more than nine hours to drive from Abuja to Makurdi but now it takes just about four and half hours.

“That’s a remarkable improvement. Imagine the time and resources saved. It is not surprising that business activities are booming in many communities along the road corridor,” he said.

He further explained that “under this concessionary phase China Habour is charged with the maintenance of the road for the next twenty-five years. The road would be one of the best in the country, that I can assure you” he said.

The road users in separate interactions with journalists, commended CHEC for the project, which connects the Federal Capital Territory to Nasarawa, Benue, and Enugu states.

A commercial bus driver plying the Keffi-Makurdi route Terfa Terungwa, said the project has not only enhanced the overall infrastructure of the area but has positively impacted his transport business.

“I commend CHEC for their exceptional work upgrading this vital road network. The result is a smoother and safer journey for both myself as a bus driver and my passengers. The improved road conditions have reduced travel time and minimized vehicle wear and tear, leading to a more efficient and reliable transportation service,” he said.

“This project has allowed for an increased frequency of trips, enabling me to serve more passengers and expand my business operations. The improved connectivity and accessibility have attracted more commuters, leading to a potential increase in revenue for my transport business.

“The dualization of this road by CHEC has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and overall success of my transport business. I am truly grateful for the positive impact this project has had on my livelihood and the community as a whole,” he added.

Also, a community leader in Akwanga Local Government of Nasarawa state, Abubakar Cindo, said the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road by CHEC has the potential to attract more economic activities to the state, thus leading to an improvement in the well-being of the people.

He said: “The dualization of this very important road that links several states has the potential to attract more economic activities to our community and state, as improved accessibility often leads to increased business opportunities and development. Additionally, the project has positively impacted the livelihoods of our residents by providing better access to essential services, markets, and employment opportunities.

“This project has been a transformative endeavour that has greatly benefited our community. We are grateful for the positive impact it has had on our area and look forward to continued collaboration for the betterment of our community’s infrastructure and well-being.”

Naomi Awazi, a businesswoman who plies the Abuja-Keffi road daily, said the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi road has increased her work efficiency and profit margin.

She said: The expansion of the Abuja-Keffi road by CHEC has significantly enhanced the landscape for businesses like mine. I am grateful for the collaboration between CHEC and the Nigerian government, and I commend them for their efforts in transforming this crucial road network,” she said.

“The project has directly impacted my business operations and revenue positively. The improved road infrastructure has led to reduced travel time, smoother transportation of goods, and enhanced accessibility for both customers and suppliers. As a result, I have experienced increased customer traffic, improved supply chain efficiency, and reduced transportation costs, all of which have directly contributed to an improvement in my business revenue.”

The $42,144,047.29 project, co-funded by the federal government of Nigeria and the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank Limited was divided into phases for ease of implementation.

Phase I involved the dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road, with Phase II including the dualization of the Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Enugu road.

CHEC has already commenced work on Phase II, with contractors and equipment mobilized to the site.

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