By Eunice Orike
The long-awaited Apo-Karshi Road project is expected to be completed by November, as the federal capital territory administration FCTA, has intensified efforts to bring the project to an end and ease transportation challenges faced by residents along the corridor.
The minister of the federal capital territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, gave the assurance over the weekend during an inspection of the road project, expressing satisfaction with the progress of work by the new contractor, SCC.
Wike said the contractor had assured the Administration that it would complete the project by November, raising expectations that residents who have endured years of delays could soon have full access to the road.
The minister said the FCT Administration took decisive action on the project because of its importance to residents and the repeated complaints over its prolonged delay.
He explained that the previous contract was terminated before the project was re-awarded to SCC to ensure that work could resume and progress at a faster pace.
“The Apo-Karshi road has been a topical issue. That was a road that was awarded in 2010 as one of those projects that Mr. President inherited,” Wike said.
He commended SCC for the pace of work and its continued presence on site, despite outstanding payment obligations.
According to Wike, the contractor’s decision to continue with construction demonstrates confidence in the FCT Administration’s commitment to settling its financial obligations.
The minister said the completion of the road would provide significant relief to residents and communities along the route, while improving access and movement between the affected areas and other parts of Abuja.
He said the Administration was determined to ensure that projects inherited from previous administrations did not remain abandoned indefinitely.
Wike’s inspection also covered the 14-kilometre dualisation of the Bwari-Kubwa Satellite Town access road, another project expected to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the FCT.
He described the Bwari-Kubwa road as a major intervention for residents of the satellite communities, noting that its connection to Kubwa would create new opportunities for movement and commerce.
