By Mohammed Baba Busu
The Niger State Government says it is expediting action on the execution of several roads embarked upon across the state, to improve the socio economic development of its rural and urban communities.
The Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Ebbo, in his facebook stated that the projects were aimed at addressing the plight of the citizens and improve their livelihoods.
He said one of the major components of the endeavour was the upgrading and dualisation of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida road (82Km) in Niger.
This, according to him, includes the river crossings like major bridges and minor side and cross drainage structures.
Undertaking of related technical supervision and consulting services and social intervention in some communities along the project corridor will also be undertaken.
Ebbo further revealed that the road entailed the construction of pedestrian bridges, toll gates, and interchange construction at Minna and Bida town, just as the Minna- Kataeregi-Bida Road was divided into three lots.
He added that the Projects Development Objective (PDO) was to improve inter-connection of the corridor of road to enhance major economic and social activities, to enhance optimal productivity of the state.
Other objectives are to increase capacity of road, aid linkage to federal road, increase movement of goods and services.
It will also improve travel time, reduce accident rates, generate revenue and improve access to health facilities and markets for agriculture produce.
According to Ebbo, 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.
The special adviser hinted that before the award of Minna- Kataeregi-Bida project, commuters along the route spent average of two and half hours to move from Minna to Bida, a distance of 82km, but that would soon be a thing of the past as the project got completed.
Ebbo maintained that the three lots of Minna- Kataeregi-Bida Road Project were divided to ease the construction and supervision activities.
These include the lot one from Kpakungu – before Garatu, awarded to Messrs DANTATA & Sawoe Construction Company (Nig.) Limited.
Lot two is from Garatu – Kakapkangi, (40km) and was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited while lot three is from Kakapkangi – Bida (27km), awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors O.A.O Nigeria Ltd./Arab Contractors O.A.O Egypt (JV).
He added that each of the lots was financed by Niger State Government, Islamic Development Bank and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
He said the three contractors were on site and work was ongoing without hitches.
