We Didn’t Anticipate Fuel, Cash Shortages – Controller…

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Umar Bakare, has stated that the recent fuel scarcity and cash shortages were unforeseen factors that have stalled the completion of the Lagos -Ibadan expressway.

Despite assurance by the Lagos State Government last week to partner with the Federal Government to ease the situation, especially around the Kara Bridge/Berger-OPIC axis, motorists have lamented the supposed slow pace at which work is taking place which has led to gridlock.

Mr. Bakare speaking on on Friday revealed they were on course to complete the road project but the CBN’s monetary policies as well as the fuel scarcity were responsible for the slow pace.

“We did not envisage the fuel shortage issue that affected the progress of work, the cash crunch issue that affected the progress of work at some point,” he said

The Controller also revealed that he was optimistic the inconveniences motorists were experiencing on the highway would reduce come April for the partial completion.

“This time around we are looking at the end of April give or take amongst other things,” he said.

Speaking on his action plans to have the Lagos-Ibadan expressway completed in due time, Mr. Bakare said talks were ongoing to have the contractor work past dusk and these talks had been yielding good results.