Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo (middle) and Works Minister, Chief David Umahi(right).
,,,,,In touch with FG on the project-Wotks commissioner
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Commissioner for Works,Engr. Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf, has assured that the reconstruction of Lokoja-Ganaja road would be completed before the raining season.
The commissioner gave the assurance on Wednesday when he inspected road with the Team from the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to the flood-affected parts of the road.
Engr. Yusuf while briefing newsmen after the inspection of Lokoja—Ganaja road and the alternative 500 units—Nyamanyama road, said the Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo had waded into the issue.
According to him, Ododo, during his visit to the office of the Federal Minister of Works Hon. Dave Umahi, had been assured of the completion of the palliative work on the Lokoja—Ganaja road before the commencement of the raining season.
He said,” As of yesterday, I accompanied His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo to the office of the Minister of Works at Mabushi and he assured us that approval has been given for the release of funds to complete Lokoja—Ganaja palliative work ” he said.
The commissioner commended the Federal Controller and Gitto Construction Ltd for the quality job seen so far and the commitment of the contractor on the job.
Responding, the Kogi State FERMA controller, Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, revealed that the contractor had achieved 70% execution of the project, adding that the required funds for the completion would be released soon.
Our correspondent recalls that Kogi FERMA boss,Engr.Onafuye Olayinka,in a statement issued on October 11, 2023, explained that the contract entailed the special repair of the 700-meter flooded and damaged portion of Ganaja Road, adding that the project had been awarded to Messrs Gitto Nig. Ltd.
The scope of work, he said, include the removal of unsuitable material to a depth of 500mm, provision of suitable granular materials, construction of a concrete (rigid) pavement, embankment protection work, and installation of solar-powered street lights.
Speaking on behalf of Gitto Construction Company, Engr.Idris thanked the Kogi State Government for creating an enabling environment for them to undertake their construction work on the site.
He also praised Governor Ododo and the Commissioner for Works on the push for the release of funds for the timely execution of the project.
The Reporters recalls that the reconstruction of the road commenced November 2021.
The Reporters gathered that work on the 7-km road,from Ganaja junction to Ganaja village, was awarded to three contractors.
While the contractor that handled the work from Ganaja junction to Gadumo up to Anebo housing estate completed his job, those that handled 500 unit axis to Ganaja village failed to deliver.
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.