A gigantic TBM Machine which will be carried in a shipment of 77 containers is expected to arrive for installation at the Platform site for the the Mega NEWMAP Project at Azaa Community in Ugwunagbo LGA under construction by the 1st quarter of 2021.
The site measuring about 700 by 100 meters acquired for the installation of the Multifunctional TBM Equipment being procured into the country for the construction of a 4.5 meters diameter tunnel to transport storm water from Uratta and Umuagbai ponds to its terminal point at Aba River is speedily under construction.
The Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project NEWMAP, Abia State, Engr. Izuchukwu Onwughara made this revelation while speaking on the scope of the project during an inspection exercise embarked by Abia Commissioner for Environment, Tony Nwamuo, with the Project Co-ordinator of NEWMAP and the Project Manager of Hartland Nig. Ltd./NBHH joint Venture, Engr. Patrick.
According to him, this monster of a TBM automated machine has a tri-functional feature to drill the tunnel, evacuate sand and also transport and couple the precast concrete ring units on the tunnel walls using its rail components as means of transportation. A fully digitized system in a control room will see to the operation of the systems 24/7 while the total length of the underground tunnel is estimated at 5.2km of varying depths from 7m at the inlet works to about 30m at the discharge point.
On the technical dissection of the operability of the wonder machine ready for the huge World Bank/Abia State counterpart funded project under the management of NEWMAP by Engr Patrick, the Project Manager of Hartland Nig. Ltd./NBHH joint venture alluded to the fact that the preparation of the site is in line with the work plan of the contractor.
ABIA ONLINE checks revealed that the execution of this project will not only mitigate perennial flooding in Aba but will also enhance roads construction contingent upon such as well as create more jobs vide the Local Content mantra of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as contained in the 2021 budget.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that work has also commenced at Ngwa Road which shall be reconstructed as part of this contract as well as at the Obohia road end of the underground box culvert section between Uratta and Umuagbai ponds. At the end of the project, it is understood that, both Obohia road and Crystal Park road along this path would be reconstructed.
