Seventy-four contractors are vying for the contract to maintain and provide street lights in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which includes the city center. The financial bid for the street lights maintenance and installation opened at Archives House and History Bureau in Abuja yesterday.
Deputy Director of the FCTA Department of Procurement, Dr. Kabir Suleiman, noted that the technical bid process was conducted according to procurement laws and published in March. He mentioned that some contractors were disqualified for not meeting the required conditions.
The bid was divided into 21 lots, covering areas such as Airport Expressway, Maitama district, Apo district, Games Village, Asokoro district, CBN and Embassy zone, Garki 1 and Garki 2 districts, Guzape district, Gwarinpa estate, Jabi district, Karmo district, Katampe Extension, Life Camp, Yar’Adua Way, ONEX lots, Ring Roads, Utako district, Wuse 1, and Wuse 2 districts.
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However, some residents and stakeholders raised concerns about the process. Kazeem Fashola, a resident of Guzape, questioned the decision to award contracts for sensitive routes, such as the presidential and airport roads, to companies lacking relevant experience. He noted that one winning company, primarily involved in events management, did not meet the technical requirements for the project, such as having an 18-meter platform necessary for the presidential route.
Fashola called for caution in re-awarding streetlight maintenance contracts for routes frequently used by the President and top dignitaries, stressing the importance of experience and security profiling for contractors.
Mrs. Victoria Aloba, a resident on Airport Road in Kuje, expressed satisfaction with the current contractor's performance, highlighting the presence of a street lighting patrol van that has helped reduce attacks around the Kuje junction. She questioned the rationale behind changing contractors when the existing service has been effective.
The bid process has highlighted the need for a careful evaluation of contractors to ensure they possess the necessary expertise and experience to handle critical infrastructure projects in the FCT.
