By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted approval for the reconstruction of the deteriorated section of Ganaja Road in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. This decision aims to address the recurring issue of flooding that plagues the road every year.
Following a collaborative assessment conducted by the Kogi State Ministry of Works and Housing, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, and Gitto Construction Company on October 10, 2023, in Lokoja, Engr Onafuye Olayinka, the Federal Controller of Works (Deputy Director), also provided an update on the progress of the new road design.
In his statement, Engr Onafuye Olayinka explained that the contract entails the special repair of the 700-meter flooded and damaged portion of Ganaja Road, adding that the project has been awarded to Messrs Gitto Nig. Ltd.
The scope of work, he said, includes the removal of unsuitable material to a depth of 500mm, provision of suitable granular materials, construction of a concrete (rigid) pavement, embankment protection work, and installation of solar-powered street lights.
He disclosed that the contractor has already mobilized to the site and commenced work execution, stressing that the design for the 7-kilometer dual carriageway from the Ganaja Junction Flyover to Ganaja Roundabout in Ganaja village, with a spur through Nyamanyama/500 Unit Housing Road, is nearing completion.
The design according to Engr Onafuye Olayinka is awaiting the approval for award by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
In response, the Kogi State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Samson Bako, expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration for promptly addressing Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello’s appeal to the Federal Government regarding the flooded section