The Federal Government has directed the contractor handling the construction of the Seventh Axial Road, which links the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State to Sagamu in Ogun State, to complete sandfilling on the project by the end of April.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Saturday in Lagos during an inspection of the project.
“I want to see a situation where we have completed all the sandfilling. After that, we will begin the concrete structure, but not the pavement,” Umahi said.
The road is one of the proposed evacuation routes for cargo from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, while the proposed Lagos State International Airport is also located along the corridor.
China Harbour Engineering Company is executing the project.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government has provided 30 per cent counterpart funding for Lots One and Two of the project, while the contractor is expected to mobilise the remaining 70 per cent through foreign loans in dollars.
According to the minister, the 25-kilometre dual carriageway will be tolled upon completion.
“Yes, the project is taking off, but the work currently ongoing is not work as far as I am concerned; it is just clearing,” he said, adding that sandfilling remains a major component of the construction.
He stressed that the right procedures must be followed and said concrete pavement is expected to commence in November.
“This strict timetable must be adhered to. I am also directing the resident engineer that within the next two weeks, I want to see 90 per cent of the equipment on site as contained in your bid document. We need to see where you are getting your sand dredging from. Sand dredging needs to start now,” Umahi added.
