The Federal Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the Zaria-Sheme road project.
Minister of State Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo stated this during an inspection visit to the road.
Alhaji Muhammad Bello Goronyo recalled that during his visit to the site last year, work on the road was put at seven percent completion, while this year, it recorded ten percent, describing it as unacceptable.
While acknowledging the contractor’s challenges, the Minister warned that excuses would not be condoned.
Alhaji Muhammad Bello Goronyo, who commended Mothercat for delivering lasting and high-quality work, however directed the company to fast track the process to meet the agreed timeframe.
According to the Minister, the inspection visit was on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi with a view to allowing motorists ply the road without hitches.
Alhaji Bello Goronyo disclosed that controllers would remain on site, submitting regular updates to appropriate authorities in the ministry.
Briefing the Minister during the visit, the project manager of Mothercat Nigeria Limited identified sharp increase in price of materials and naira depreciation as some of the challenges affecting the progress of work on the road.
He however pledged to complete 21 kilometers on both lanes by March and about 98 kilometers within the next eleven to twelve months.
The Zaria-Sheme federal highway forms part of the dualisation of the Zaria-Funtua-Sokoto road which involve Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, a major route handled by four contractors across the States.
Usman Sani
