Ministry of Works has explained that the contractor handling Section II of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction and expansion project, Reynolds Construction Company, RCC cannot complete the project because of certain challenges which include finance, adverse weather and impatience of road users.
A representative of the Ministry, Mr. Nelson Olubakinde while speaking with newsmen said that during the rainy season, artwork and asphalt work laying are usually suspended.
He said “The construction company (RCC) is facing challenges of finance, weather, especially rain, and impatience on the part of road users often resulting in accidents within work location.
“For instance, during the rainy season, artwork and asphalt work laying are usually suspended.”
Speaking on the rehabilitation done so far, he said “For example, apart from the fact that the thickness of the road has been enhanced, it has also been expanded to ensure free traffic flow.”
He said although the construction contract, valued at N96.3 billion, commenced on June 4 and had a completion date of July 3, 2017, the project has reached 25.98 per cent completion in spite of the challenges.
He said the other end of the road from Shagamu inter-change to Lagos is being handled by Julius Berger Plc, with RCC in charge of the other end to Ibadan.
He also disclosed that the road project themed Rehabilitation, Re-Construction and Expansion was under Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement with Motorway Assets Limited as leasee, while the ministry was the guarantor.
He said “The consultants to Motorway Assets Limited is the INTERCON Partnership Consulting Engineers.”