FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The contract for the construction of Lafia Eastern By-pass Road was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the China Exim Bank through counterpart funding of 15% Nigeria and 85% by China- Exim Bank agreement, that means the Federal Government of Nigeria have providing 15% of the contract sum and the China- Exim Bank have provided 85% of the contract some for the construction of the By- pass road project.
The Road project which was handled by China Harbor Engineering Constructing Limited has a total length of 15.8 KM, dual carriage separated by crash barriers begin from Azuba Centre alone Akwanga- Jos Road to Akunza alone Obi-Awe- Keana road in Nasarawa state and was flagged- off in February 2024 by the minister of works and the contract sum for the project cost 19,894,920.33 US. Dollar and has a two-year completion period, according to the federal controller of works in Nasarawa state, Engr. Ishaku Mamric.
Engr. Mamric debunk claimed by some stake holders and individuals that the road was solely constructed by the Nasarawa state Government saying the construction of the By- pass road was solely constructed by the Federal Government alone through counterpart funding with China Exim Bank.
The By-pass Road stretched through 6 villages from Akunza Migili, Makurdi through Mararaban Obi to Unguwan-Alu Bako and exited at Akunza Centre along Jos Road, has two Ring Road and one roundabout.
In a cross observation and interaction with members of the various villages and settlements along the By-pass corridor showed visibly that they were very happy and visibly elated for the road constructions.
One Mr. Ali Audu of Unguwan Alu Bako commended the Federal Government for the project. He deeply expressed his appreciation to the Federal government. He said, the road has brought development to their community adding that their businesses and market activities has expanded and has also open up their economic activities.
He said, a plot of land measured 50 by 100 fit now cost between 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 likewise 100 by 100 fit cost between 8,000,000 to 10,000,000, unlike before people don’t even want to go and settle in their community before now.
Another resident along the road at Unguwan Sabonpeggi, Shabu said that their farming activities has improved security of their community and crime rate has reduce to the barest minimum.
A student of the federal University of Lafia, Mr. Emmanuel O. Eze said he was happy for the road infrastructure and beautiful construction. He thanked the Federal government for the job well done. Mr. Eze who is a resident Unguwan Rumpa advised the Federal ministry of works to ask the constructor to build speed brake popularly known as bumps to reduce carnage and crashes of people as well as accident on the road.
Same of the impact of the By-pass Road on the community are reduction in transportation cost and travel time, increased business activities and easier movement of goods and services, improved safety for pedestrians and motorists and enhance social-economic development of the community and on the whole, the main objectives behind the construction of the bye-pass road was to decongest the city center.
Also, in a conversation with some residents of the village and the communities showed that they want regular maintenance of the road to prolong the lifespan of the road. Installation of streetlight for improved security of the road in the night. Community should be sensitized on proper use and protection of the road.
ARI LIMAN AMINU
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA
