SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed that a section of the Apapa/Wharf road will be shut down for a one-year period to enable its construction which would resolve the challenges usually faced by users of the road.
He explained that the two kilometres road construction between the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, and end of the bridge is expected to stretch for the next one year starting from Saturday.
The N4.34bn project is jointly sponsored by Dangote, Flour Mills companies and Federal Government.
Speaking at the official signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, and handing over of the project to the sponsors, Fashola explained that the use of AG Dangote for the construction was to give the road a better outlook with the use of concrete.
While commending the sponsors of the project, he preached perseverance to road users and stakeholders, stating that, “We are embarking on what will be the final solution to the massive inconvenience. Businesses and residents in Apapa and its environment have had to endure for a couple of years.
“I like to acknowledge the leadership role of Dangote and Flour Mills who are operators and have also contributed to make this reality. They are doing this as a total Corporate Responsibility without asking for tax holiday or reduction. We are also working on how to ensure free access to Tin Can Island.
“From today that we are handing over the project, the road will take one year to be completed. We need the cooperation of all the stakeholders. There will be some discomfort on the way but we appeal for tolerance and perseverance. It will continue to get better, people should please ensure more to solve the challenge.”
In his remarks, Engr Joseph Makoju from Dangote, said it was co-sponsoring the project to provide an enabling environment for businesses in the area.
“This is part of our CSR. Businesses have to engage the community where they operate. Today’s CSR has gone to a higher level where we find ourselves embarking on a major infrastructural project,” he said.
The Managing Director of Flour Mills, Paul Gbededo, urged the Federal Government to place priority on repairing other sections of Apapa, even as he sought the cooperation of other stakeholders and road users while the construction lasts.
“Apapa has become a very difficult place to work. With this project that the Federal Government has allowed to embark on, it will give succour to business. It has the biggest port in Nigeria and should not be taken with levity,” Gbededo said.