Following its resolve to improve the socio economic development of rural and urban communities, Niger State Government on Friday said that it will do all it can to complete the several road projects across the state.
Speaking on his Facebook page, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo disclosed that “one of the major components of this endeavour is the Upgrading and Dualization of the 82km Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project.
He said the projects are aimed at ameliorating the plight of the people and to improve their livelihood.
On the Bida-Minna road, he said “this include; its river crossings like major Bridges and Minor side and cross drainage structures as well undertaking related technical supervision and consulting services and social intervention in some communities along the project corridor.”
Ebbo further revealed that the road project entails the construction of pedestrian bridges, toll gates, and interchange construction at Minna and Bida town just as the Minna- Kataeregi-Bida Road Project is divided in to three lots.
He added that the Projects Development Objective (PDO) is to improve inter-connection of the corridor of road to enhance major economic and social activities to enhance optimal productivity off the state.
Other objectives are to Improve on ridding quality, increase capacity of road, Aid linkage to Federal road, increase movement of goods and services, improve travel time, reduce accident rates, generate revenue and Improve access to health facilities and markets for agriculture produce
According to him, “it is envisaged that when the project is completed there would be great reduction in travel time, traffic control, and reduction in maintenance cost of vehicles of commuters.
He further hinted that before the award of Minna- Kataeregi-Bida Road Project, commuters spent an average of two and half hours to move from Minna to Bida a distance of 82km, adding that “it will soon be a thing of the past as the project gets completed”.
Ebbo maintained that the three (3) lots of Minna- Kataeregi-Bida Road Project was divided to ease the construction and supervision activities, which includes; the lot one from Kpakungu – before Garatu (CH0+000 -CH15+000) awarded to Messrs DANTATA & Sawoe Construction Company (Nig.) Limited..
Lot two is from Garatu – Kakapkangi (CH15+000 – CH55+000) 40km was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited while lot 3 is from Kakapkangi – Bida (CH55+000 – CH82+000) 27km was awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors O.A.O Nigeria Ltd./ Arab Contractors O.A.O Egypt (JV).
Adding that each of the lots is financed by Niger State Government, Islamic Development Bank and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development respectively, saying that all the three contractors are on site and ongoing without hitches.
