…calls for reduction in construction costs
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, paid a visit to Zeberced Limited Quarry, the largest quarry in West Africa, located in the Kubwa District of Abuja.
The visit was at the invitation of the Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Mr. Ayden Adil Kurt, who aimed to showcase the extensive operations of the quarry. During the visit, Barr. Wike expressed his admiration for the vast industrial activities taking place, including the production of gravel, stone dust, and asphalt, and commended the company for its efforts and dedication to the project.
Impressed by the scale of operations, Barr. Wike questioned why contractors continue to quote high construction costs in the FCT, given the availability of essential raw materials locally.
“The Managing Director has repeatedly invited me to see their operations, which are part of the biggest quarry in West Africa. I took the opportunity to observe the environment and what they are doing here. With this level of production, construction costs in the FCT should not be exorbitant, especially since the raw materials are sourced locally,” the Minister remarked. “Contractors talk about aggregate costs as though these materials are imported, but they are not. Everything is produced here.”
He further expressed his appreciation for the company’s contributions, noting, “It’s amazing to see this scale of manufacturing within the FCT, and with over 800 residents directly employed here, this project is also creating significant employment opportunities.”
While raising concerns about the environmental impact of the quarry, Barr. Wike mentioned that he had been reassured by Mr. Kurt that the company adheres to approved environmental standards based on its impact assessments.
The Minister also thanked Zeberced Group for its decision to expand the access road to the Abuja Industrial Park at the Idu Industrial District, a project also being undertaken by the company. He assured the company’s management of the government’s continued support.
“This is the same company working on the Abuja Industrial Park at Idu, and we will provide all necessary support. I have already sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the tax credit process, enabling them to expand the road into a double carriageway, which is being constructed by Salini Construction Company.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Mr. Ayden Adil Kurt, revealed that the quarry has a production capacity of 3,000 tons per hour, underscoring its massive contribution to the construction industry.