Let’s celebrate and commend our government’s decisions that lead to positive change.
By Abayomi Odunowo.
When discussing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, it is crucial to approach the topic with caution and understand the complexity of such a massive infrastructure development. This project, which aims to connect two major cities in Nigeria with a coastal highway, is not just a simple road construction initiative. It involves numerous stakeholders, intricate planning, and significant financial investments. Therefore, as we engage in conversations about this project, we must delve into critical issues related to the procurement process to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope and implications.
One of the key considerations when evaluating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007. This legislation was enacted to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the procurement processes of public projects. It sets out strict guidelines for awarding contracts, including the need for competitive bidding, evaluation criteria, and oversight mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to assess whether the award process for the highway project aligns with the provisions of the PPA 2007 to guarantee that it is conducted in a legitimate and ethical manner.
Another crucial aspect to examine is adherence to Financial Regulation Chapter 29, which governs the financial management of public funds in Nigeria. This regulation mandates that the bill of quantities, a detailed list of materials, labor, and costs required for a construction project, should be the basis for procuring any infrastructure development. By following this guideline, project managers can ensure accurate budgeting, cost control, and accountability in the use of public funds. Therefore, it is imperative to verify whether the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has a comprehensive bill of quantities in place to guide its procurement process and financial management.
Furthermore, it is essential to avoid making assumptions about the project’s cost without access to detailed design and specifications. The lack of accurate information and data can lead to misinformation, misinterpretation, and flawed analysis of the project’s financial implications. As responsible commentators and stakeholders, we must seek reliable sources of information, engage with experts in the field, and conduct thorough research to understand the project’s complexity and determine its potential costs accurately.
In discussing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, it is also vital to consider the broader socio-economic impacts of the infrastructure development. This project has the potential to stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity between regions, enhance trade and commerce, and create employment opportunities. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the project’s benefits beyond its construction phase and assess its long-term contributions to the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
As we navigate discussions about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, let us approach the topic with caution, diligence, and a commitment to understanding its complexities. By focusing on critical issues such as compliance with procurement laws, adherence to financial regulations, accurate cost estimation, and socio-economic impacts, we can contribute meaningfully to the discourse and ensure that the project is implemented successfully for the benefit of all stakeholders.
When it comes to discussing the cost and logistics of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria, it is crucial to consider every detail and factor in all possible variables. For instance, recent assertions by a young member of the Institute QS who witnessed the construction of the project from the Lagos end have shed light on some key specifications regarding the width and thickness of the pavement.
According to this young member, the width of the expressway is 60 meters, which is equivalent to 5 lanes, with a rail line running in between. Additionally, it was mentioned that the pavement is about 400mm thick. With this information in mind, it is possible to make some educated calculations and estimates regarding the amount of concrete required for this massive project.
Assuming a width of 60 meters over a 700-kilometre stretch, we can calculate that approximately 16,800,000 cubic meters of concrete will be needed for the pavement alone. While the exact grade of concrete specified for the project is unknown, if we assume a common grade like C40 and use 50kg bags of cement, the amount of concrete required translates to over a hundred million bags, specifically 109,200,000.00 bags.
To put this into perspective, it is important to consider the financial implications of such a large quantity of cement. By estimating the cost per bag of cement at the retail price, we can begin to grasp the sheer magnitude of the expenses involved in a project of this scale. While these calculations are speculative in nature, they serve as a reminder of the meticulous planning and budgeting required for infrastructure projects of this magnitude.
when discussing the cost and logistics of major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, it is important to take into account all possible variables and specifications. By considering factors such as the width and thickness of the pavement, as well as the quantity of concrete required, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities involved in these endeavors. Ultimately, these insights can help us appreciate the sheer scale and intricacies of such projects and the careful planning and attention to detail required to bring them to fruition.
When considering the cost of constructing roads, it is crucial to acknowledge that it encompasses much more than just the pavement itself. Various components contribute to the overall cost, including earthworks, bridges, culverts, drainage systems, utility installations, toll gates, rail lines, compensation/resettlement, livelihood restoration costs, and financing expenses.
It would also be erroneous to compare the cost of constructing the African longest road, which stretches from Egypt to Cape Town, solely based on distance. Such a comparison overlooks the intricate engineering challenges involved in constructing roads along coastal regions, such as the road from Lagos to Calabar in Nigeria.
The road from Lagos to Calabar runs along Nigeria’s southern coast, traversing through complex terrains and requiring extensive engineering expertise to overcome natural obstacles such as cliffs, rivers, and coastal erosion. The construction of bridges, tunnels, and seawalls are necessary to ensure the road’s stability and longevity, significantly adding to the total cost of the project.
In contrast, the road from Egypt to Cape Town may cover a greater distance in terms of kilometers, but it predominantly runs through more simplistic terrains, such as deserts and plains. The straightforward nature of the topography in these regions makes the construction of roads relatively easier and less costly compared to the challenges faced in coastal areas like Lagos to Calabar.
Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the cost of constructing roads should consider not only the distance but also the unique engineering requirements of different terrains to provide a more accurate comparison.
To ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process, it is imperative to include Quantity Surveyors as mandated by financial regulations and as a best practice. Quantity Surveyors play a vital role in cost management, providing accurate estimates of material quantities and costs associated with construction projects. Their expertise helps in ensuring that projects are delivered within budget and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
By having Quantity Surveyors involved in the cost management process, stakeholders can have a clear understanding of the breakdown of costs involved in road construction projects. This transparency can help in preventing cost overruns and ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently. In conclusion, advocating for the inclusion of Quantity Surveyors in the road construction process is essential for promoting accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Media Contacts
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
URL: www.aatsg.org.ng
Tel: +2349053535322
Email: [email protected]
