BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has revived strategic roads linking to communities in Bauchi State, with the aim of curbing flooding, erosion and other environmental crisis.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi stated this at the Northeast National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects n Bauchi.
It kicked off with a visit to the ongoing rehabilitation of Bauchi–Gombe road, a vital corridor linking Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States.
The 35-kilometre section of the alignment was awarded in 2024 to Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of N39,999,177,118.59.
Also, the rehabilitation works aim to restore a major transport artery that was marred by frequent accidents and prolonged travel times, as the ongoing project have already reduced road crashes.
As part of its efforts toward the provision of motorable roads to Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned two completed emergency and special intervention projects along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum road.
The interventions include the emergency repair of a Collapsed Concrete-Lined 3-Cell Pipe Culvert at Konkiyel Town (Chainage CH 120+500).
It was executed to permanently address perennial flooding, protect adjoining farmlands and communities, and safeguard the integrity of the Federal roads.
This was followed by the emergency repair of a collapsed Section of a 2-Cell Pipe Culvert and Concrete-Lined Drain at Sauke Village (Chainage CH 162+000), restoring hydraulic capacity, mitigating flood risks, improving road safety, and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, services, and goods.
The Minister of Works, who was represented by the Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Umar Saidu led the commissioning ceremonies.
He described the interventions as transformative, emphasising that the projects will bring lasting relief to the affected communities, prevent recurring damages caused by flood, and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Bauchi State and Northeast generally.
The Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engr Bashiru Adamu explained that the interventions formed part of the 260 emergency projects initiated at the outset of the present administration, to address critical infrastructure failures nationwide.
He noted that the Bauchi–Gombe road rehabilitation and the emergency drainage works along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum road were executed to curtail flooding and protect Federal assets, as well as to mitigate the effects of climate change.
According to him, the culverts and concrete-lined drains are critical hydraulic structures that ensure the roads, farmlands, and communities remain safe and accessible.
An official of the Bauchi State Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr Ibrahim Ahmed commended the Federal Government for the prompt response to infrastructure challenges.
He was satisfied with the engagement of licensed engineers and technologists on the projects, thereby encouraging sustained professional oversight to further strengthen delivery standards.
The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Bauchi Branch, Engr Shehu Wakili underscored the strategic importance of Bauchi–Gombe and Bauchi–Potiskum corridors to regional connectivity and economic growth.
He noted that the emergency culverts and drainage works will protect the Federal road network and support the smooth movement of goods and services, while urging host communities to complement government efforts through environmental protection measures like planting of trees.
The Project Manager of Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Joseph Samaha commended the Federal Government for the support, assuring that the Bauchi–Gombe road rehabilitation is progressing according to schedule.
He confirmed that works including the construction of drainage, binder courses, and asphalt surfacing are ongoing, with full completion expected within the year.
Head of Sauke Village, Mallam Zakari Ya’ u appreciated the current administration for the emergency intervention and prayed that Allah sustains the project.
Zakari Ya’ u stated that the projects brought lasting relief by preventing annual flooding, protecting farmlands, and improving access for residents.
He pledged the community’s commitment to protecting and maintaining the infrastructure for sustained benefits.
The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to implementing strategic infrastructure across Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since its inception in May 2023, the administration has been dualising and rehabilitating numerous Federal roads and bridges nationwide, focusing on priority corridors to improve connectivity, safety, and socio-economic activities.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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