Godwin ORITSE

THE Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) has awarded a N3bn for the construction of the I. 6 kilometre road, as part of measures to enhance efficient cargo release at the nation’s seaports, especially the Lagos Ports Complex, which accounts for over 75 percent of Nigeria’s cargo traffic.

The 1.6 kilometre road, which runs from the Bull Nose end of the Apapa Port runs through to the main exit gate has been in very bad shape, thus impeding the movement of cargo in and out of the ports.

Managing director of the authority, who spoke to newsmen shortly after flagging off the construction project, noted that the authority is committed to ensuring an efficient movement of cargo in and out of the ports as the nation strives towards hub port status for the West and Central African region.

According to him, it might be difficult for Nigeria to achieve the hub port status if the basic infrastructure that facilitate easy and un-inhibited movement of cargo were not put in place, a development that had informed the decision of the authority to embark on an aggressive rehabilitation of port access roads across the country.

While commenting on the delay in awarding the contract, he noted that it was basically due to the poor understanding of the workings of the seaports, especially by the relevant approving authorities.

He also noted that the delay was also due to the change in the initial concept of the road, adding that the initial design of the road was a two-lane road, which was changed midway into the approval processes.

It was gathered that the design had to be changed, thus leading to the revalidating of the initial proposal sent to the government, adding to due to the heavy traffic of the road, extra time has to be taken to make it solid.

The managing director also disclosed that another challenge faced by the authority was the need to earthen some portions of the road to make it usable for the trucks coming in and out of the ports, arguing that normal ports operations will continue while the rehabilitation project is going on.

He expressed the hope that the port complex will experience un-impeded movement of cargo as soon as the project is completed.

Consultant to the project awarded to PW Construction Limited, Mr. Ebenezer Oshoba, while speaking on the contract, said the road will be a three-lane dual carriage way with adequate laybacks, drainage and other features.

He disclosed that the total width of the road is 30 meters, adding that the road will run 24 hours while the rehabilitation lasts. It was gathered that the contract, which took off early this week will be completed in 18 months.