The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has explained why the contract for the Apo–Karshi Road was terminated and re-awarded to another contractor.
Wike stated that the road was re-awarded following prolonged non-performance by the previous contractor.
A new contractor, SCC Nigeria Limited, has commenced work on the 13-kilometre Apo–Karshi Road, replacing Messrs Kakatar Engineering Limited, which was disengaged due to its failure to deliver the project.
Speaking after inspecting the work on Monday, Wike said the engagement of another firm signals President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the Karshi axis, particularly by alleviating hardship.
It would be recalled that the road was awarded to Kakatar in 2011 at a contract sum of N6.4 billion under former minister Bala Mohammed, with a completion period of 20 months. However, fourteen years later, the project remains unfinished.
On the recovery of the substantial amount already paid to the contractor, Wike said he was not interested in revisiting the process, noting that the legal secretariat would determine the appropriate course of action.
He said: “When we came on board in 2023, one major project that was of very much concern was Apo-Karshi Road, and that road was awarded sometimes in 2011. And a lot of variations had taken place before we came.
“So when we called the contractor, he agreed to go back to site and gave us a promise that within six months that project would be delivered.
“Unfortunately, it was a very big disappointment and therefore we had no choice but to terminate it and give it to a more competent and serious contractor which is SCC. And that had to be done through emergency because if we start all over with the procurement process, that might take like five, six months and then, rain will come in again and we start facing challenges.
“So because of the importance of that road, we felt that we have to relieve the hardship of the people there and then connect to Apo and Wassa. I think it’s a major decision we took and for the interest of the people of Abuja.”
He also inspected the ongoing earthworks on the over 14-kilometre Bwari–Chikakore–Kubwa Road being handled by SCC Nigeria Limited.
Wike further visited the Bazango dual carriageway road project in Kubwa, which was recently awarded under emergency consideration.