Umahi Gives Julius Berger Seven-Day Deadline to Fix Abuja-Kaduna Road
Julius Berger has been given a final seven days by Works Minister David Umahi to accept the Federal Government's offer of N740.79 billion to complete the 82km segment II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano motorway, failing which the contract will be terminated. Frustrated by the drawn-out negotiations, Umahi demanded that the project be finished in the upcoming seven days.The ultimatum was given at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Minister by Dr. Pier Lubasch, the new managing director of Julius Berger Plc, and Dr. Lars Richter, the departing managing director. The visit was intended to introduce the new executive officer to the Honourable Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister on Wednesday. This most recent event comes after Umahi threatened to cancel the contract, which was first given to Julius Berger in 2018 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Abuja-Kaduna stretch has only made 27% development in six years, but the Kaduna-Zaria part has been finished and the Zaria-Kano section is almost finished. Julius Berger was accused by Umahi at an event last wee of politicising the project in order to damage the reputation of the current administration. Even though the Federal Executive Council had approved the cash, Umahi expressed worry at the discussion about the delay in mobilising to the site. He emphasised that road users are suffering greatly as a result of the delay, which also speaks poorly of the government. He said, “If Berger cannot do it, let’s find others who can...
