How contractor abandoned road project after collecting ₦12bn from gov’t
Story by Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, has disclosed that a contractor handling road project between Duguri to Rimi abandoned the project after he collected N12 billion.
Governor Muhammad said this on Friday when he flagged off construction of 38Km Bara-Hashidu-Tubule-Garin Malam Julde-Wanka road in Kirfi Local Government Area and township roads in Duguri and Alkaleri towns.
He said he told the Minister of Works who pledged to find out and take decisive decision on the issue and assured that he will continue to follow up the matter to ensure the continuation of the project for the benefit of the people.
He said the state government revoked the road project in kirfi local government because the contractor refused to work and abandoned the project after he received 100 percent down payment.
Governor Muhammed said his government revoked the contract because it’s a state road and explained that the state government is partnering with the Federal Government to address the recurrent menace of flood in Cheledi town of Kirfi local government area.
“Cheledi is one area that faces annual recurring floods, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
“Sand is deposited on farms and roads, making them difficult to use. The flooding has also caused severe gully erosion on farms despite Cheledi being an agrarian community which is known for farming for generations, is now a shadow of itself.”
The governor said the project will be carried out through Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
“It is a World Bank assisted project and they are working to address the problem once and for all, they are doing the engineering design.”
Governor Muhammad said the construction of 38km rural roads in kirfi local government area will boost connectivity and economic growth as part of his administration’s efforts to boost rural development and connectivity.
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“The road project, awarded at a cost of approximately N18 billion, aims to link Bara, Hashidu, Tubule, Garin Malam Julde, and Wanka rural communities, opening up new opportunities for economic growth, social interaction, and access to basic services.
Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony held at Bara Village, the governor further emphasised the importance of rural infrastructure in driving development and improving the lives of rural dwellers.
He said that the project is part of his administration’s commitment to addressing infrastructural deficit in rural areas and promoting inclusive growth.
The governor expressed delight with the project’s potential to transform the lives of rural communities, saying it will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but also provide access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
He commended the contractor, The Triacta Nigeria Limited, for their commitment to delivering quality work and assured the communities that his administration would monitor the project’s progress to ensure timely completion.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, said the project will have a positive impact on the local economy, with farmers and traders getting access to transport their goods more easily, and residents having better access to social services.
The flagging-off ceremony was attended by local government officials, traditional leaders, and community members, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for his commitment to rural development.
In a similar development, residents of Alkaleri Local Government Area have called on the governor to provide them with portable water to reduce their sufferings.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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