By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
Borno state government on Monday signed over N11.5 billion contracts with two construction firms for the dualisation of four selected Maiduguri township roads as well as construction of drainages.
The contract which was signed by the state government with Eighteenth Engineering Company limited (EEC) and OBTUSE TECH Engineering and Construction limited will be completed within 12 months.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Musa Usman Secretariat Maiduguri, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Ali Lawan said the roads include Ahmadu Bello way linking Post Office roundabout to Bama road junction through Gwange road with a bridge to be constructed.
Ali said the second road is Mogoron road linking Elkanemi roundabout to Lagos street junction with some part of Shehu Sanda Kyari road to Maiduguri Monday Market roundabout.
“The first slot of the road projects is the 5.324km combined dualization with drainages and two bridges at Ahmadu Bello Way to link Bama road, Shehu Sanda Kyrami road at the cemetery junction linking the Elkanemi Roundabout through to Elkanemi Bridge, down to Lagos junction, Bolori Roundabout to Mogoram Junction down to Lafiya road was awarded to EEC at the cost of N8,76,304,408.18 billion.”
The second slot is the 8.2km road construction, consisting of Baga road market- Jajeri – Umarari- Bulabulin with another one linking Texaco- Churchkime – Abdu road at the total cost of N2,812,405,577.48 billion which was awarded to Obtuse Tech Engineering Company limited.
Lawan recalled that in September last year 2021, a tender/bid documents in respect to these projects were advertised in some national dailies, after which, companies were invited for the bid, adding that, EEC and Obtuse Tech Engineering Company won and were considered to execute the projects.
“Today is a great day not only to people in the ministry, but the entire citizens of Borno state as we witness the signing of roads construction contracts that are very vital to open up the metropolis.
“These projects were approved by our committed and patriotic governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.
“The first batch of the roads contract were given to EEC and to be signed by its Project Engineer, Mr. Li Chao Qi on behalf of the company, these roads include; dualization of Ahmadu Bello Way to Bama road junction, Shehu Sanda Kura road, Monday Market Roundabout, Elkanemi Roundabout and Mogoram to Lafiya road at the total cost of N8,76,304,408.18 billion.
“The second road project of 8.2km consists of Baga road market- Jajeri – Umarari- Bulabulin with another one linking Texaco- Churchkime – Abdu One road at the total cost of N2,812,405,577.48 billion. It was awarded to Obtuse Tech Engineering Company and will be signed by its representative, Engineer Umar Lawan Sheriff.
“These roads as I said earlier are very vital, and we urge our contractors to do a good job and complete it within the time frame of 12 months.
“I want to sound a strong warning to the contractors to stick to specifications and guidelines as any one who violate such will be sanctioned.
“I want to also inform you that our Engineers from the Ministry will always be on site to offer professional advice as the need be and you should cooperate with our men on sites to ensure good job.
Responding on behalf of the two contracting Firms, the Project Engineer of EEC, Mr. Li Chao Qi, thanked Borno State Government for considering them worthy to execute the road projects and assured that they will do everything possible to meet specifications and complete the work within the time frame.
