By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ongoing Airport-Kuje-Gwagwalada road projects, describing the corridor as crucial to easing movement between the Abuja city centre, the airport and fast-growing satellite towns.
Wike, who spoke after inspecting both road projects on Wednesday, noted that the project was advancing steadily and on track for inauguration by June.
He emphasised the importance of the route, saying the direct link will significantly cut travel time and reduce pressure on the main airport expressway once completed.
According to him, the Airport to Kuje axis has now crossed the 70 percent completion mark, while work on the Kuje to Gwagwalada stretch stands at nearly 65 percent.
“I’m quite impressed. You know that the Airport to Kuje road is one road that is very key for us. Then from Kuje to Gwagwalada, the last time I was there, you remember, we stopped at the mosque, where they were constructing and we were well impressed with the level of work done,” Wike said.
Like the contractors had earlier briefed him, the Minister reaffirmed confidence that the entire project would be ready within the targeted timeframe. “God willing, by first week of June or June ending, we would have inaugurated this project. It’s a very important project, so that you don’t need to go through the airport if you are going to Gwagwalada or from Gwagwalada to town. We are very, very happy with what we have seen.”
He explained that the accelerated progress reflects the renewed priority placed on infrastructure delivery across the Federal Capital Territory.
Responding to questions on the work schedule, Wike added, “Well, if you take from Airport to Kuje, it is over 70percent and here (from Kuje to Gwagwalada) I can see it’s almost 65percent, so I think they will meet up.”
Project managers from both sections-handled by Arab Contractors on the Airport-Kuje axis and Gilmore Engineering on the Kuje-Gwagwalada dualisation had earlier briefed the minister and expressed commitment to meeting the deadline.
