In keeping to his promise of turning Bauchi State into a developed state that can compete with others in the country, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Monday flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of some township roads within the state capital worth about N5 billion.
The roads to be constructed are aimed at opening up the Bauchi city centre which is becoming overpopulated with the influx of people particularly from neighbouring states that are ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The roads which contracts were awarded for construction are Gombe Road to Maiduguri Road a bypass, Sabon Kaura to Jos Road also a bypass and the rehabilitation of Sultan Abubakar Road to Muda Lawal Market Road and Yakubun Bauchi Quarters Road.
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While speaking at the flagging off ceremony held at the Ibrahim Bako Quarters, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said that the contracts for the construction of the two bypasses were awarded as part of the efforts to reduce road accidents within the metropolis as heavy-duty vehicles will now be diverted from the heart of the town.
The Governor who said that the contract for Gombe Road to Maiduguri Road bypass and Yakubun Bauchi Quarters was awarded at the cost of N2.5 billion, noted that of Sabon Kaura to Jos Road bypass and Sultan Abubakar Road to Muda Lawal Road was awarded at the cost of over N2.3 billion.
He said the present administration in the state is embarking on road construction and rehabilitation and other projects in order to deliver on its campaign promises before the traditional first One Hundred days of the administration.
Bala Mohammed noted that the contracts for the road construction and rehabilitation required compensation of lands and other properties and pledged for timely compensation in order to ensure speedy completion noting that delay in payment of compensation has always been a hitch to project execution in the country.
While giving an overview of the project, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Works and Transport, Engineer Stephen Abubakar, explained that the construction of Gombe Road to Maiduguri Road bye-pass is a 4.4 kilometres, Sabon Kaura to Jos Road bye-pass is 6.2 kilometres, Yakubun Bauchi Quarters is 1.8 kilometres while that of Muda Lawal market road is 1 kilometre.
Engineer Stephen Abubakar who applauded the Governor for awarding the contract observed that it will go along way towards enhancing the economy, safety, livelihood and physical development of the affected communities.
The Managing Director of TRIACTA Nigeria Limited, the company handling the projects, Mr Elie A Farhat, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by completing the projects within the six months time frame.
The contractor, however, pleaded with the state government to as a matter of urgency pay up every compensation to enable the company to have a smooth operation.
The District Head of Galambi, Alhaji Shehu Adamu Jumba commended the state government for embarking on the project saying that with its completion it will open up the area and reduce accidents.
He then pleaded with the Governor to upgrade the Secondary School and the health centre in the area in order to make the people rank with others in the state. He then presented one horse to Governor Bala Mohammed as part of the appreciation by the community for the award of the contracts which he said has been long-awaited.
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