FG seeks states’ commissioners, controllers collaboration on infrastructure

In a bid to ensure effective delivery of road infrastructure, the federal government is seeking cooperation and collaboration between states’ ministry for works and the controller of works in each state, just as the federal government is also planning financial empowerment for the controllers and power to take some decisions, all in a bid to put Nigeria roads in proper condition.

Giving the hint during his visit to the eastern part of the country last week, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said some of the federal roads across some states in the South-East don’t get adequate attention, in spite of their economic importance.

Fashola noted that in the past, some of the funds provided for the interstate federal roads were diverted to build community roads, which he described as “spurs” while neglecting the interstate roads, adding, however, that the federal government was poised to change such practice.

The minister, who cited the Imo State situation as an example, recalled that: “What we saw was that in the past, funds that were, perhaps, meant to build interstate roads had gone to building inter-community roads.

“But one other thing I also wish to achieve is to continue to emphasize the importance of our Controllers of Works in various states. If we are going to make progress in providing support and partnership with state governments, the quickest way to do so is through the controllers.

“I have met with them, I have briefed them about the role that they will play as ambassadors of the Federal government in the development and support of the state governments in infrastructure renewal. We are partners in progress irrespective of the political parties we belong.”

He added that “we have to focus on our own work and get the legislative arm to support us to focus on our own work to build roads that connect states, roads like Owerri- Umuahia-Okigwe, Enugu-Port Harcourt and so on.”

The minister, however, clarified that using those funds meant for federal roads to do community roads should not be seen as diversion of funds since the community roads being built were part of national development but reemphasized that given the choices that must have to be made, roads that carry the heaviest traffic should take priority over others down the line.

Fashola said the ministry had ensured that the contractors transparently displayed details of the work being handled, budget releases, the states to be connected by the roads and the staff engaged.

For example, the Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section III: Enugu-Lokpanta being handled by CGC Nigeria Ltd had such a board which indicated that the project which is located in the Southern part of Enugu State is the first section of the rehabilitation project of the dual carriageway connecting Enugu-Imo-Rivers from Enugu to Port Harcourt.

It indicated that 252 direct jobs and 57 indirect jobs for Nigerians had been created through the project.

“Similarly, Arab Contractors handling the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu- Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway Section II : Umuahia Tower- Aba Township Rail/Road Bridge Crossing in Abia State has created 535 and 436 direct and indirect jobs respectively.

“On the construction of Abiriba-Arochukwu-Ohafia Road in Abia State, the local contracting firm, Messrs Beks Kimse Nigeria Ltd., has created 30 and 20 direct and indirect jobs respectively. Also in Abia State, the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Section I : Lokpanta-Umuahia Tower in Abia State has generated 220 direct and 30 indirect jobs for residents,” he said.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in the state briefed the audience on the number and stage of works done on the federal road in the state.

They include the rehabilitation, expansion and improvement of Owerri-Ohafia Road which, according to him, is now 60 per cent complete, construction of Ikot-Ekpene Border-Aba-Owerri Dualization Section 1 Phase 1, which he said was 22 per cent complete, construction of Mbaise -Ngwa Road Phases 1 and 2, 11 per cent complete, rehabilitation of Amawaisu-Ozuakoli Road, 60 per cent complete and Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe Road Section 2, 30 per cent complete.

He hinted that assessment has been carried out on four other roads including Ihube-Okigwe and Aghara-Owerri roads and proposals have been written and submitted to the headquarters of the ministry for the rehabilitation of collapsed sections of the roads.