Abdullahi Muhammad
As part of moves to deliver the next phase of the administration’s roadmap for infrastructural development and provision of social services in the satellite towns and rural communities, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has flagged off Apo-Wasa dual carriageways project.
He also stated that the road which is part of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) would pull up the Apo-Karshi road, currently under construction, to the heart of the city, adding that the projects would improve the living conditions of FCT residents, especially the rural dwellers as indicated recently while swearing-in the newly appointed Mandate Secretaries.
Speaking at the event, Monday, the minister disclosed that the administration was considering other strategies for completing the other part of the expressway measuring 52km, ending at the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
He revealed that one of the strategies 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,” he said.
He disclosed that the contract sum for both roads totalled N6.17billion and N2.45billion, respectively, with a completion period of 12 months. The two carriageways have been awarded to different construction companies, namely M/S CGC (Nig) Ltd – for the left-hand-side carriageway of 15km and Gilmor (Nig) Ltd – for the right-hand-side carriageway, measuring 5km.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin, noted that the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) is one of the regional road networks provided for in the Abuja Master plan and provides access to the city centre from the southern axis of the FCT.
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.
