The 9.5 kilometres long road infrastructure works (inside roads ) at the Abuja multi-billion naira Centenary City PLC is completed, the Managing Director, Dr Michael Odenigwe Jr., confirmed on Tuesday while showcasing the progress of work so far.
The road network within the City is being handled by Julius Berger PLC., and it started in August last year, and as of Tuesday, April 21, the kilometres had been completed.
Odenigwe said the City Plc management will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to drive rapid infrastructure development in the model city.
“So, today’s program is to showcase the dramatic progress in this long-awaited amazing project with the first road project and the support we are receiving from the communities who have supported us all these years.
“We also want Nigerians to see this project through the eyes of the people bringing it to life.
The project, which was kicked off in August year has seen significant progress with the development of the primary infrastructure, a 4.3km access road.
The Abuja Centenary was conceived as a legacy project t100-yearhe 100 year anniversary of Nigeria by January 1, 2014, during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Dr Odenigwe Jr., said it would continue to carry out its Corporate Social Responsibility to the communities even as he revealed that the company has been able to pay compensation to the affected communities displaced by the project.
“As we go along, we are paying for scholarships. We are sending them to universities. Our major goal, is to employ the youth of our original communities.
“It’s one of our top social responsibilities. I can tell you for free, we have never had incidents here. No loss of any item, no nothing.
“Even when we are doing the road, we move their farmers, we move their farms, and we pay small compensation. They never bother us. They are very supportive,” he said.
In his remarks, Project Engineer for Julius Berger, Engr. Johnny Kouchan assured stakeholders present that the company will not lower its standard saying quality delivery and safety are fundamental to every project it will execute.
The project has 12 m Carriageway of 2 directions set up of 4 lanes with a ROW of 20 m, 4.3 km length, including all type of road utilities, 3.0 km wastewater lines, 4.0 km of storm water pipes of various diameter and 12.0 km of conduits for power supply, telecommunication and water supply, in addition to a 2 m walkway and 2m verge from each side of the road.
“At Julius Berger Nigeria, the Company consistently adheres to international construction standards, applying advanced engineering techniques and modern equipment to ensure high-quality outcomes.
“As a result, Julius Berger Nigeria delivers projects that are not only timely and reliable but also uphold the highest standards of safety and excellence within the construction industry,” Engr Kouchan said.
A consultant to CCPLC, Prof Okey Okechukwu, said the progress achieved so far is due to the collaboration between the company and the traditional institution.
According to him, when issues came up, the traditional ruler was able to intervene and the matter was settled amicably.
And even those who were being difficult, when their traditional ruler was approached, what did he say? He was involved in all these things.
“Don’t worry; there won’t be any problem again from today. Ladies and gentlemen, there was no problem from that day,” he said.
