Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, who spoke yesterday at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President, Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the Federal Government has approved N123.73 billion for rehabilitation of five roads.
According to the statement, the roads include the Apapa –Oshodi Expressway, Mokwa–Bida Road, Akure– Ilesa Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway Section 1 and Enugu –Port Harcourt dual carriageway Section 2.
The Minister explained that: “The Apapa–Oshodi Expressway is a gateway to Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports and part of Trans West African Highway (Coastal). It is, therefore, of immense economic importance to the country and the sub-region. Due to aging, the road had virtually collapsed and the damaging effects of heavy axle load vehicles carrying goods to and from the ports.
“After deliberations, council approved the reconstruction of Apapa – Oshodi Expressway Section 2 Phase II in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nigeria) in the sum of N14, 989,647,635.35 with a completion period of 15 months.
”For the Mokwa – Bida road, he said: “Council approved the award of contract for Lot C: Rehabilitation of Mokwa–Bida Road, in favour of Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of N10,905,079,026.60, with a completion period of 24 months.
“The Council also approved the award of contract for Lot D: Rehabilitation of Akure–Ilesa Road, in favour of Messrs Kopek Construction Limited, in the sum of N7,399,411,728.50, with a completion period of 21 months.
“Council approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 1, in favour of Messrs Setraco (Nigeria) Limited, in the sum of N39,548,900,597.79, with a completion period of 40 months.
“The council also approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt dual carriageway Section 2, in favour of Messrs Arab Contractors (Nigeria), in the sum of N50,892,770,772.04, with completion period of 40 months.”
He added that: “In pursuit of the ongoing reinforcement of transmission substations nationwide, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) PLC requires additional procurement of 40 MVA 132/33KV mobile substations for utilization nationwide for the purpose of maintaining continuity of supply to consumers during major works at existing substations.
“A total of 138 direct jobs would be created at the six sub stations and 1,380 indirect jobs as a result of a multiplier effect on the economy.
“After consideration, Council approved the design, manufacture and supply of six 40MVA 132/33KV mobile substations complete with spare parts and accessories, in favour of Messrs Liaoning Efacec Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd , in the sum of $10, 278, 650.00, payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment and N247,358,795.85, for port clearing, transportation and VAT, all totalling N1.82 billion with delivery period of 8 months.”