The Federal Government, on Tuesday, announced the approval of a sum of N1.3 billion for the construction of the 16 kilometres road and construction of the collapsed Ashara Bridge in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Leading a team of Engineers and management staff of the FCT administration to the scene, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Dr (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal told newsmen that the Federal Government had earlier approved the award of contract for the construction of bridges and 16 kilometres road to Yaba community in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

The project would be executed through the Ecological Fund Office.

Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered, however, that over 50 indigenous communities have been cut-off due to the collapsed bridge, as farmers and other travellers could not access the main Abuja-Lokoja road.

She noted that with the recent development, additional scope of works would be included to accommodate other damaged portion of the bridges, promising that the government would not rest on its oars in ensuring that the job is completed.

“The flood overwhelmed all of us, but am happy that work has commenced, what we are here now for is to see what is the gap so that our engineers will know exactly what to do. The bridge has cut due to over flooding, it is a bridge which contract has been awarded over two weeks ago. You can see that the contractor has already mobilized.

“It is a bad situation, but you can see that the contractor is very responsive. What we want the contractor to do now is to ensure that at least there is a place the people can cross with their food.

“FCT Permanent Secretary just called my attention yesterday, he mentioned bridge but we didn’t understand how bad it was, so we decided to come and look at the situation. We have given the contractor directives to ensure he works within the scope to ameliorate the situation and give the affected communities the support they need. This is not a job for few weeks, but at least the work has commenced.

“The original cost was about N1.3billion, which includes the road work. The original scope was to do the road. Whatever the cost is, government will handle it and ensure that value for money is gotten,” She added.

Responding, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Ohaa appreciated the EFO for swift response, while calling on the affected communities to show understanding and cooperate with the contractor.

He revealed that the administration was highly disturbed over the collapsed bridge which has made it difficult for farmers in the area to convey their farm produce to the larger markets.

“We cannot thank the Ecological Fund Office enough for quick response to our call. And as administration, we are very hopeful that with the pace of work, the job will be completed on schedule.

“My only appeal to the affected communities is that they should bear with us and cooperate with the construction company so that the job will move unhindered,” He pleaded.

•Sourced from a Tribune report