Governor Uba Sani’s Initiative to Revive the Kabala-Costain Road Project
Governor Uba Sani has taken significant steps to address the long-standing issues surrounding the Kabala-Costain road project in Kaduna State. A total of N8.2 billion has been disbursed, covering both the payment of inherited debt and mobilizing contractors to complete the abandoned project.
The State of the Project Before the Current Administration
The Managing Director of Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, provided an update on the project. He explained that the previous administration had abandoned the project due to major design flaws and funding challenges. According to Dr Ahmed, the project was only at 35 percent completion when the current administration took over, contrary to claims by the previous government.
Dr Ahmed emphasized that the project was not just revived but also restructured to ensure safety and efficiency. He revealed that Governor Sani cleared a debt of N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and mobilized CCECC with N6 billion to resume work.
Design Flaws and Safety Concerns
The Chief Consultant of the road dualisation project, Engr Shakirudeen Adesina Akinloye, recalled that the contract was awarded in 2020 but was stalled in 2022 due to major design flaws and payment issues. This forced the contractor, CCECC, to suspend work. When the current administration took over, they discovered that the initial design was unsafe, featuring a sharp curve immediately after the bridge, which could lead to accidents.
Engr Akinloye highlighted that the redesign now includes a gentle curve and a second bridge to address flooding and safety concerns. He noted that safety is the top priority in engineering, and the new design ensures smooth traffic flow and better infrastructure.
Engineering Solutions for Long-Term Benefits
According to Engr Akintoye, the intervention of Governor Uba Sani prevented further deterioration of the site. He explained that the initial design had engineering flaws, and the redesigned project includes an additional bridge similar to the first one to handle waterlogging challenges. Soil tests showed that the subsoil depth in the area is about nine meters, making soil stabilization expensive. Instead, the government opted for a second bridge, which is both faster and cheaper.
Dr Baba Ahmed corroborated the consultant’s statement, emphasizing that the project was abandoned midway by the last administration. He confirmed that only one bridge and about 600 meters of road, out of the total 2.7 kilometers, were completed before the project was abandoned, representing roughly 22 percent of the total work scope.
Financial Commitment and Project Progress
Dr Ahmed reiterated that the Governor Uba Sani administration inherited the project at just 35 percent completion. He stated that the current administration came on board in 2023 and revived the project. It paid an outstanding N2.2 billion owed to the contractor and released an additional 50 percent advance payment for outstanding works.
The Managing Director dismissed reports that the previous government achieved up to 70 percent completion, calling it “pure misinformation.” He clarified that 600 meters out of 2.7 kilometers is 22 percent, and the current administration is constructing the remaining 2.1 kilometers and a second bridge.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
Dr Baba Ahmed also explained that new engineering solutions became necessary after investigations revealed that the initial alignment narrowed the water channel, causing flooding during the rainy season. He mentioned that the two options were either heavy soil stabilization or extending the bridge, and the latter was chosen for its safety and cost-effectiveness.
The MD commended Governor Uba Sani for taking the bull by the horns to complete the project despite the financial burden his administration inherited. He emphasized the commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, not abandoning the contractor’s debt but paying it off and pushing for speedy completion.
Contractor’s Perspective
Project Manager for CCECC Kaduna Office, Mr. Henry Zhang, confirmed that the project stalled due to unpaid certificates and adverse ground conditions. He added that the company has since received advance payment from the present government and resumed full-scale operations. With the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the project has been revived and is progressing smoothly.
Future Impact of the Project
The Kabala-Costain dualisation project, spanning 2.7 kilometers, links Aliyu Makama Road and Costain Junction in Kaduna North. When completed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion, prevent flooding, and enhance economic connectivity between Kaduna North and Kaduna South.