Recently, the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, began an overhaul of critical major roads across the state. The construction/reconstruction of over 250 township roads is intended to give Minna, the capital city, a face-lift that will cover major towns like Bida, Suleja and Kontagora, among others.
Despite the huge investment in critical infrastructure in the state by the military government, Niger has struggled to keep up with other states in terms of development since the creation of the state in 1976. What is, however, more worrying is the claim that the master plan of the capital town, Minna, has been heavily distorted by successive administrations in the state.
A drive through Minna tells the story of a state in need of attention due to the terrible conditions of its interior roads as well as those linking other communities. In addition to this, other poor infrastructure has greatly affected its desire to attract genuine investors and forced the state to depend largely on monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Alarmed by the challenges facing the state, Governor Bago said he had put the urban and rural transformation agenda at the top of his priority list to make the state investments friendly.
It is expected that after the rehabilitation and construction of these road projects, covering 1,500 kilometres, Minna is expected to rank among the states with modern road networks not only within the metropolitan areas but also in the exterior parts of the city in terms of the effective road network system capable of attracting local and international investors and making it an investment destination.
This move by the governor has brought relief to many residents of the state and visitors alike because many roads in some of the newly-developing communities like Dutshen Kura Gwari, Kwalakwata, Sanu Village and others are in deplorable conditions, just as some bridges linking these communities with Minna have since collapsed as a result of the heavy downpour during the recent wet season. The dilapidation of the bridegs were compounded by the lack of drainage facilities and lack of adherence to the regulations by the Niger State Board of Urban and Regional Planning.
However, before the assumption of office of Governor Bago-led administration in May this year,
Minna could easily be likened to a glorified local government headquarters as a result of the infrastructure deficit that characterised it over the years.
In his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation & construction of Minna township roads Governor Bago stated emphasised that these road projects are a vital component of his urban renewal policy, which aims to bring about significant transformation in the state.
He further expressed his commitment to addressing the poor conditions of some of the federal roads in the state, with discussions currently underway with the presidency for financial support. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of these road projects by participating in local material and labour sourcing.
He also stated that the state government, through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, will introduce empowerment schemes to benefit those engaged in businesses around the construction sites.
Giving a breakdown of the 202.4 kilometres Minna Township roads project covering 22 different roads, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Malam Suleiman Umar, stated that the project is divided into two phases with the first phase covering eight roads, while phase two will cover 14 roads.
While revealing that the project will also feature the construction of five interchanges, flyovers at strategic locations, and new roads, aimed at enhancing accessibility within the state capital, the commissioner emphasised the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of these urban development projects.
Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Corporation (CCECC), Mr David Wang, praised Governor Bago’s vision and determination to reshape Niger State through massive infrastructure development, while pledging collaboration with stakeholders that will foster positive relationships with local communities to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the projects.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then