Yaba-Kpache road in Abaji ready by Dec, says STDD official

Barring any unforeseen hitches, the ongoing construction of a 6km Yaba-Kpache road in Abaji Area Council of FCT will be completed and ready for use this December, exactly four years after it was awarded.

Precisely, the project awarded in December 2013 to M/s Coan (W.A) Limited at a cost of N914, 189,220.00, and experienced go-slow after work commenced in May 2014, has now progressed significantly and ready for the laying of asphalt, following the mobilisation of the contractor by the current FCT Administration.

The Abuja Times learnt that the road connects the large farming communities of Yaba Town with Kpache village, which occasionally hosts the FCT fishing festival. And when completed, it is expected to facilitate the transportation of farm produce to Abuja’s city centre, as well as attract tourism development of the area.

A deputy director in the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), who is in-charge of the project, Engr. Felix Jacobs, explained that the project, which is at about 74 per cent completion, and located in a swampy area, is graded and supported with drainage system, prior to the laying of asphalt.

If the project is well funded, I believe that between November and December this year, we would have completed the project”, he stressed.

Also speaking during an inspection of the project, acting director, STDD, Architect (Mrs.) Victoria Imande, explained that the construction of the road is as a result of the need to upgrade the status of the FCT Fishing Festival in the area.

She disclosed that the last festival was held in 2012 because the road had been bad, adding that as soon as the road project is completed, the fishing festival will resume fully on an annual basis.

According to her: “The FCTA in collaboration with the Agric Secretariat have decided to upgrade this road, for easy access to the site of the FCT Fishing Festival.

“Recall that the festival used to attract a lot of people from different places. This will attract tourism activities and it brings about the development of hotels, and it will enhance the agricultural activities in this area, as well as other economic activities.

Also, the STDD officials inspected other road projects, including the ongoing rehabilitation work on the 27 kilometer Gwagwalada-Dobi-Izom Road, which connects FCT with Niger State.