Chances of the disappearance of intractable traffic gridlocks frustrating socio-economic activities within Apapa axis of Lagos due to ongoing road reconstruction activities may begin to wane from mid of this month.
This is based on the revelation of the Director of Highways for South-West at the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Emmanuel Adeoye, that the first section of the Apapa-Wharf Road will be opened to the public by the middle of March.
Besides, contrary to earlier speculations that disruptions caused by utility infrastructures along the Apapa-Wharf highway during the beginning of the road works will lead to extension of the road’s delivery time, Adeoye expressed hope that the ongoing construction would be completed in June.
According to him, “As we have been briefed, the initial completion date set for the project can still be met. The project is about 60 to 70 per cent completed and is divided into four sections. The first section is expected to be opened before mid-March.
“The Federal Government sees this as an important project. The drainage system adopted is to make the road almost maintenance free. The constraints witnessed have been surmounted and we expect smooth working pace. The completion date for the project is still achievable for us.”
The Project Manager, AG Dangote Construction Company, Mr. Jimoh Tunde, said the pace of work was affected by the challenges earlier witnessed on the project which included rain, traffic, community and stakeholders’ demands, utilities and potholes on the road, among others.
Explaining more, he said “We are constructing with concrete pavement but we faced some challenges, which resulted to setbacks. For instance, within just two kilometres, we met so many underground utilities, gas pipeline, 115 electric poles, telecoms cables and six transformers, among others.
“We currently have 150 workers on site and majority of them are Nigerians. We only have 16 expatriates. We are still standing by the June 2018 completion date for the project. We have started working day and night with security personnel deployed to ensure safety. We have cleared the obstructions.”
