By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi
Bauchi Bauchi State Government on Monday commenced the construction of the N2.4b 19km Liman Katagum-Luda – Lekka Pilot rural road.
The road when completed in the next 18 months, is to connect the State capital to other communities in Bauchi Local Government Area.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with development Partners under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAM) which is a World Bank Intervention Programme.
While inaugurating the project at Liman Katagum, State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir said that when completed, the projects would open up agrarian communities of Liman Katagum, Luda, Lekka and Gudum.
Towns and villages to be part of the beneficiaries according to the Governor are Unguwar Malam, Yola, Hammadada, Yard Borno, Unguwar Baraya and Falla.
To facilitate successful take off and timely completion, Bala Mohammed said that the State Government has paid the counterpart fund of N1.9b which will also cover similar projects in other parts of the state.
Bala Mohammed however stressed that the decision to key into the intervention programme was to address infrastructural gap in the rural areas, enhance food production and provide access to markets and basic amenities.
He therefore warned the contractors to adhere to the project specification adding the state project office would embark on monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality work is delivered.
The National Project Coordinator, Engr. Aminu Muhammad Bodinga said that Bauchi State is taking the lead among the Nineteen benefiting states by fulfilling all the requirements to secure the intervention in good time.
In his address, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Rural Development, Faruq Mustapha said that under the RAAM Project, over 1000 kilometers road would be constructed across the state in an effort to reduce the number of rural roads that are in deplorable condition.
The benefitting communities commended the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for fulfilling the promise he made to them about the road during the last campaigns.
They expressed happiness that the road will further open them to the world and boost their economic growth and development considering the fact that they are agrarian farmers.
