Gombe launches ‘Network Eleven-Hundred’ road construction programme

The All Progressive Congo (APC)-led administration in Gombe State has declared its resolve to construct at least 100 kilometres of roads network in each of the 11 Local Government Areas of the state under an initiative tagged,  ‘Network Eleven-Hundred’.

This was disclosed by Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya while flagging off a 15 KM Mararraban-Jabba – Sambo Daji- Pandi Kola- Gwarar- Garin Wada Road in Pindiga Emirate of Akko Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor who noted that the concept of ‘Network Eleven-Hundred” is to open up rural communities, boost economic activities and facilitate easy access to locations across the state,  said that no amount is too big to be spent on service delivery to the people as the money to be so spent belongs to them.

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He said that during his campaign tour across the nooks and crannies of the state, he pledged on improving the lives of people in all aspects of human endeavours, hence the determination to match his words with actions and keep to his promise.

The Governor also said that in the execution of the projects, his government will give priority to indigenous contractors so as to empower the people of the state economically as well as generate employment opportunities to teeming unemployed youths in the state.

The Mararraban Jabba road project, awarded at the cost of N2.3  billion is expected to link up about ten communities when completed.

The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of 18.79KM Gona- Garko- Kalshingi road in Akko Local Government.

The road, which was first awarded in 2014 by the immediate past administration was expected to have been completed in 2016 but due to non-funding, the project was abandoned until the coming of Governor Yahaya’s government which re-mobilised the contractors back to the site.

The Governor who expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the road project said his Government will ensure that all ongoing projects are completed and new ones initiated.

He noted that the road ought to have been completed in 2016 but the refusal of the immediate past administration to pay the road construction company was responsible for the project abandonment.

He said, ” The N700million which stalled the project from completion has now been paid to the contractor and the project is expected to be delivered by March 2020″ and added that the road has now been re-designed to bear asphalt concrete surface.

Inuwa Yahaya also emphasised that while his administration will ensure the prompt payment of contractors handling various projects across the state, his government will not condone laxity on their part.

When completed the Gona- Garko- Kalshingi road will serve as the new bye-pass for articulated vehicles coming to or passing through Gombe as a measure to avert the spate of auto accidents involving heavy trucks.

The Governor also inspected the Billiri- Gujuba- Kamu Awak road project just as he had earlier inspected the Bambam- Tula- Yiri road during his visit to Kaltungo last Saturday.

State commissioner of Works and Transport,  Engineer Abubakar Bappah had assured the Governor that all the projects will be done according to specifications and delivered on record time as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Governor.