Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on Monday inaugurated the construction of 203.47kilometre rural roads in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state, Mohammed said the construction would be carried out with the Federal Government intervention under its Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP).
He said the road’s construction represented more than a physical infrastructure but symbolises his administration’s vision of a state where no community was left behind.
He said it also demonstrated a fair and balanced development, driven by the needs of the people with equity and justice.
“We are grateful to the federal government; we are grateful to the World Bank and all the development partners.
“Roads are the architect of opportunities. They connect farmers to markets, women to healthcare, children to schools, security agencies to vulnerable communities and rural economy to national prosperity.
“For decades, many rural communities in Bauchi have suffered neglect.
“Roads became impassable during rainy seasons, farmers lost produce, students struggled to reach schools and sick people were unable to get timely medical attention,” he said.
Mohammed, who said that the days of neglect of the rural communities were over, added that RAAMP remained a key pillar for his transformative agenda and aligned with his Bauchi project 1 and 2.
“RAAMP aligned with the Bauchi Agricultural modernisation, inclusive development, improved governance, youth empowerment, poverty reduction and sustainable infrastructure.
“RAAMP is not just about roads, it’s about connecting communities, boosting the rural economy and laying the foundation of lasting prosperity,” he said.
The governor identified the roads to include 26.8 km Mararaba Liman Katagum-Boli-Kafinmawa-Mararaba Dajin roads, 14.75km Dargazu-Gambaki-Chinade-Gangai road, and 28km Gamawa -Sakwa road.
Others are the 14.45km Misau- Beti- Maladunba roads, 6.6km Giade-Tagwaye road, 6.68km Yana-Fago road, 6.71km Mararraban Dajin-Dajin road, 36.65km Dott-Dado- Baraza road, and the 24km Lanzai-Papa road.
Also included in the construction are the 4.91km Gadar Maiwa- Zakara road, 25km Dagu-Ningi road, and the 8.86km Nabordo-Gadan Doka road.
The governor called on traditional rulers to support contractors and remain vigilant as well as provide intelligence on security and safety.
Speaking, Mr Aminu Mohammed, the National Coordinator of RAAMP said that the state had disbursed over N6 billion in counterpart funding to RAAMP, making it one of the top performing states.
“These roads will open critical agricultural corridors, reduce travel time and post-harvest losses and improve access to markets, schools and healthcare.
“It will also enhance rural productivity and inclusion, stimulate economic activities across all the three senatorial zones in the state,” he said.
Mohammed called on the contractors to deliver the project with the highest standard of engineering professionalism and compliance with environmental and social safeguard.
He also called on the communities to take ownership of the roads and maintain them.
