Bello flags off Apo-Wasa dual carriageway project

The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has flagged-off the construction of the 20 kilometre dual carriage Apo- Wasa road of the Federal Capital Territory.  The road which is part of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), would pull up the Apo-Karshi road, currently under construction, to the heart of the city.  Addressing journalist yesterday in […]

The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has flagged-off the construction of the 20 kilometre dual carriage Apo- Wasa road of the Federal Capital Territory. 

The road which is part of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), would pull up the Apo-Karshi road, currently under construction, to the heart of the city. 

Addressing journalist yesterday in Abuja at the flag-off point in Wasa Junction, Abuja, the FCT minister, said the administration was considering other strategies for completing the other part of the expressway measuring 52km, ending at the Abuja-Lokoja highway.  One of the strategies, Malam Bello revealed include a Public-Private-Partnership initiative with interested investors. 

On full scope development, this segment of OSEX would run through Wasa District and Kuje Town before ending up at Gwagwalada. He stated that it is hoped, that the road would open up this major part of the territory for economic activities and estate development.   

To ensure speedy completion of the projects within a 12-month times plan, the two carriageways have been awarded to different construction companies namely M/S CGC, (Nig) Ltd – for Left-Hand-Side carriageway of 15km and Gilmor (Nig) Ltd – for Right-Hand-Side carriageway measuring 5km.  The contract sums for both roads are N6.17billion and N2.45billion respectively.  

Bello added that the flag off is symbolic of the next phase of the administration’s roadmap for infrastructural development and provision of social services in the satellite towns and rural communities as the minister indicated recently while swearing-in the newly appointed Mandate Secretaries and political aides. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin, noted that the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) is one of the Regional Road Networks provided for in the Abuja Master plan which provides access to the City Centre from the southern axis of the FCT. It covers 73km, and runs from the Villa Roundabout at its intersection with the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) right on to Abuja-Lokoja Road at Gwagwalada. 

The executive secretary said the OSEX stretch defines areas designated for the land-swap scheme. The project would also fast-track the relocation of Apo traders and mechanics as well as open up Takushara settlement, location for a national heritage site identified as the first historical iron smelting place in West Africa by the renowned British archaeologist, Prof. Thurston Shaw.