THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minster, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Monday, flagged off the construction of the Apo-Wasa dual carriageways.
The projects, which was expected to complete within a 12-month timespan, would cost the FCT administration about N8.62 billion.
Speaking during the flagging off in Abuja, the minister said the road, which was part of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), would pull up the Apo-Karshi road, currently under construction, to the heart of the city.
He said his administration was considering other strategies for completing the other part of the expressway measuring 52km, ending at the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
One of the strategies, according to him, include a Public-Private-Partnership initiative with interested investors.
“On full scope development, this segment of OSEX would run through Wasa District and Kuje town before ending up at Gwagwalada. It is hoped, that the road would open up this major part of the territory for economic activities and estate development.
“To ensure speedy completion of the projects within a 12-month timespan, the two carriageways have been awarded to different construction companies namely M/S CGC, (Nig) Ltd– for Left-Hand-Side carriageway of 15km and Gilmor (Nig) Ltd– for Right-Hand-Side carriageway measuring 5km. The contract sums for both roads are N6.17billion and N2.45billion respectively”, he revealed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engineer Umar Gambo Jibrin, noted that the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) was one of the Regional Road Networks provided for in the Abuja Masterplan and provide access to the City Centre from the Southern axis of the FCT.
According to him, it covers 73km, and runs from the Villa Roundabout at its intersection with the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) right on to Abuja-Lokoja Road at Gwagwalada.
He disclosed that the OSEX stretch defines areas designated for the land-swap scheme.
Engineer Jilbrin stressed that the project would also fast-track the relocation of Apo traders and mechanics as well as open up Takushara settlement.
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