Third Mainland Bridge Is Safe, Intact The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Olukayode Popoola, has debunked insinuations making the rounds in the social media that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has “opened up” and “shaking” and, therefore, unsafe to traffic saying the claim was both false and unfounded. Giving an on-the-spot report on the Bridge, the Controller, who said he just drove along the Bridge without noticing any opening or experiencing any shaking as contained in the social media report, advised members of the public, especially commuters, to ignore the insinuations as the Bridge, which is receiving regular attention along with others across the country, is safe for use.   ...

We will continue to prioritize welfare of staff - Perm. Sec. (FMW&H) The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW&H) Babangida Hussaini has said that his Ministry under the leadership of His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN will continue to give priority to staff welfare in order to motivate them to give their best to the service of the nation as the Ministry pursues President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate of infrastructural development in the nation.    Mr Hussaini made the remarks during handing over of the newly acquired four 36-seater Toyota Coaster Buses to the staff of his Ministry through their union, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), today in the premises of the Ministry. The official handing over event took place at the Ministry Headquarters with some of the Management staff, The Labour Union Executive members and some staff of the Ministry in attendance.  The Permanent Secretary in his remarks said that he was grateful to God for making the purchase possible and to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN for granting approval for the procurement and commended the Executives of the Union for their maturity during the procurement period. Mr Hussaini said he was dedicating the purchase to Director of Human Resources Works and Housing Umar Abdullahi Utono who retired today   as a parting gift due to his wise counsel and for the necessary follow up to make the purchase a reality. He promised that more staff buses would still be purchased as the procurement is in batches while the old ones that are grounded would be refurbished as soon as proposal from the reputable motor mechanics are considered for approval. Director Human Resources of the Ministry, Umar Abdullahi Utono said “I cherish the Permanent Secretary for the official handing over of the buses to staff, and it is one event that will remain in my memory, and he has provided welfare for staff within a short period. The four buses would cover the following major routes:  Bwari /Dutse, Suleja, Karshi /Jikwoyi and Gwagwalada. It is a major milestone.” The Union Chairman of Works and Housing branch of AUPCTRE, Comrade Sunday Sanusi said “When I heard that these vehicles have been purchased it was like a dream to me, I am using this opportunity to say thank you to Permanent Secretary and the management for making it a reality.” The official handing over of the event was rounded off after the Permanent Secretary performed the test running of the buses.     ...

FG Commended For Award Of Road Projects The Honourable members representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya Kvsar/Shani Federal Consitutency of Borno State, Hon. Murtar Aliyu Betara and his counterpart representing Chibok /Dambon /Gwoza Constituency Hon. Ahmed Jaha Babawo also in Borno State have expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on the award of contract for the re-construction of Gombe-Biu road, and urged the Ministry to ensure the contractor expedite action to complete the road.  Honourable Betara who led the delegation of some House of Representatives Members to the Ministry in order to follow up on the state of some critical roads in their states and the strategy of the Ministry in fixing the roads noted that some of the contractors were complaining of funding challenges. In his response the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babaginda Hussaini appreciated the gesture of the law makers in dialoguing with the Ministry in order to fix the critical roads in their constituencies adding that such collaboration with the Ministry by the National Assembly will help the government in its bid to improve road infrastructure. He  also said that the gesture was a clear demonstration of love for their constituencies. Mr. Babaginda informed the law makers that the major challenge in road infrastructure development was funding as the budgetary allocation was grossly inadequate to address the needs in the road sector.  He however informed the law makers that this administration had created new funding windows for road construction and repairs which has greatly helped in bridging funding gaps  The Permanent Secretary said “On behalf of the Honourable Minister Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN and the Management of the Ministry, I wish to reaffirm the commitment of this administration to complete all critical road projects as practically possible.’ Furthermore, Mr. Hussaini averred that the Ministry was engaging with the contractors since the rains have abated in most parts of the country.  In the same vein, the House of Representatives member representing Zuru /Fakai /Danko Wasaru –Sakaba Federal constituency of Kebbi State also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for constructing the Gadar – Zaima –Zuru -   Gamji road which has aided trading activities in the area.    ...