Wike Gives Reasons For Termination Of Apo-Karishi Road Project

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has clarified the FCT Administration’s decision to terminate the contract for the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road project, stressing that the action was necessary to end public suffering and ensure timely completion.

The Minister stated this, while briefing journalists shortly after an inspection tour of ongoing Apo/Karshi, Bwari/Kubwa and Gbazango road projects in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils of the FCT on Monday.

Barr. Wike confirmed that the contract for the Apo/Karshi road, originally awarded in 2011, was cancelled and immediately re-awarded to a more competent firm, SCC Construction Company, and will be completed within the next 12 months.

 “Because of the importance of that road, we felt that we had to relieve the hardship on the people there and then connect to Apo and Wasa. So, I think it’s a major decision we took for the interest of the people of Abuja," he said in a statement by the Assistant Director, Press, Office of the Minister, Rabi Musa Umar.

The Minister explained that upon assuming office in 2023, the previous contractor, Kakarta Construction Nigeria Limited, was given a final opportunity to deliver the project within six months but noted that despite multiple visits to the site, no meaning work was done.

 “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”.

Describing the Apo-Karshi road project as vital for alleviating hardship on residents, connecting communities to Apo and Wasa, and decongesting major corridors, the Minister said the entire 14-kilometre stretch of the road will be reconstructed to meet the required standard.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the new contractor to deliver the job within the agreed schedule. 

“I believe the SCC is a major company that has been carrying out construction in Abuja and they have what it takes in terms of equipment. We have gone to Apo Karshi several times but we never saw the equipment of the previous contractor. But look at it today, you can see that SCC is a company that is very serious”, the Minister stated.

He also clarified that the contract was re-awarded through an emergency procurement process which, he said, was essential to avoid further delays that would have been caused by a prolonged standard procurement cycle.

Providing update on the road project connecting Bwari town to Kubwa in Bwari Area Council, which was re-awarded to SCC and the Gbazango road project, also awarded to Zeberced Construction, Barr. Wike said the projects will further boost satellite town infrastructure.

"Passing that road today was an eye-opener for us that there are so many areas that need to be tackled", Barr. Wike noted.

He emphasized that the massive infrastructure drive in the Area Councils and satellite communities is a core tenet of the current administration, designed to bring relief to the rural communities.

“The whole essence of what we are doing is to let the world know that this administration means well, not only for the city, but also for the satellite communities. “It has never happened in the history of Abuja since the FCT was created that the government is giving such attention to rural communities. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about”, he said.

Barr. Wike also assured residents that while no government can solve all problems, the current administration was committed to addressing the most critical infrastructure deficits identified.