Gov Sani rehabilitates abandoned Kabala-Costain Road project with N8.2bn — KADRA MD

Governor Uba Sani has disbursed a total of ₦8.2 billion for both the payment of inherited debt and the mobilization of contractors to complete the abandoned Kabala-Costain road project in the metropolis.

Giving an update on the project, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, said the project was abandoned by the previous administration due to major design flaws and funding challenges.

Dr. Ahmed, who spoke with newsmen during a visit to the project site with his team, explained that Governor Uba Sani cleared the inherited debt ofoN2.2 billion owed to the contractor and mobilized CCECC to the site with N6 billion.

The Managing Director further explained that a total of ₦8.2 billion has been expended on the project, promising that the road will be ready next year.

He added that Governor Uba Sani inherited the Kabala-Costain road project at only 35 percent completion, contrary to the false claims of the previous administration.

ALSO READ: Ibadan Circular Road, Ilu-Tuntun testament to Makinde’s urban commitment — OYNTCDA adviser

Speaking at the project site, the Chief Consultant of the road dualisation project, Engr. Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, recalled that the contract was awarded in 2020 but stalled in 2022 due to major design flaws and payment issues, forcing the contractor, CCECC, to suspend work.

The Chief Consultant further explained that the Uba Sani administration not only revived the project but also cleared a ₦2.2 billion debt owed by the previous government.

“The project stopped at 35 percent before the current administration took over. 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,” he said.

According to Engr. Akinloye, the intervention of Governor Uba Sani prevented further deterioration of the site.

“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 added.

The Chief Consultant disclosed that the new design also includes an additional bridge similar to the first one to handle waterlogging challenges, as soil tests showed the subsoil depth in the area is about nine meters.

“Rather than spending more to stabilize the soil, the present government approved a second bridge, which is both faster and cheaper,” he clarified.

Explaining further, the Managing Director of KADRA corroborated the consultant’s statement, stressing that the project was abandoned midway by the last administration.

Dr. Baba Ahmed also reiterated that the Uba Sani administration inherited the project at just 35 percent completion.

He said only one bridge and about 600 meters of road, out of the total 2.7 kilometers, were completed before the project was abandoned, representing roughly 22 percent of the total work scope.

“This administration came on board in 2023 and revived the project. It paid an outstanding N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and released an additional 50 percent advance payment for outstanding works,” Dr. Ahmed said.

The KADRA MD dismissed reports that the previous government achieved up to 70 percent completion, describing the claim as “pure misinformation.”

“It’s simple arithmetic, not mathematics. Six hundred meters out of 2.7 kilometers is 22 percent. This administration is constructing the remaining 2.1 kilometers and a second bridge,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE