By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl
In a significant move to improve the state's infrastructure, the Kebbi State Government has officially sealed a contract agreement for the construction of the Koko-Zuru road with three reputable construction companies. The contract, worth N64 billion, is expected to bring huge relief to the people of Zuru emirate who have been struggling with the deplorable condition of the road.
The signing of the contract took place at the Kebbi State Ministry of Works and was witnessed by the participating companies, namely GNIC, ZBCC, and Habib Engineering Company. Each company has been assigned a specified kilometer to cover, as specified in the contract agreement and documents.
According to Hon. Abdullahi Umar Faruk Muslim, the Commissioner of Works, Kebbi State Ministry of Works, the road construction is timely and will ease transportation challenges faced by commuters. "The road is international, connecting not only the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, but also other neighboring countries who constantly ply the route for various trades," he said.
Muslim urged the contractors to stick to the contract specifications and not add a kilometer without permission from the ministry's supervising engineers at the site. "Having carefully selected you people during the contract bidding and having gone through your records of quality services, we expect a solid execution from all of you," he said.
The contract details show that GNIC will handle the Koko-Marafa section, covering 37 kilometers at a cost of N27 billion. Habib Engineering will handle the Mahuta GGC section, covering 25 kilometers at a cost of N18 billion, while ZBCC will handle the Dabai-Mahuta GGC section, also covering 25 kilometers at a cost of N18 billion.
Representatives of the contracting companies pledged to complete their respective sections within the stipulated 18-month period. Engineer Garba Abdullahi, representing ZBCC, commended Governor Idris for awarding the contract and pledged to deliver a quality job within the agreed time.
In his closing remarks, Architect Sa'ad Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described Governor Idris as the savior of Zuru emirate. "We therefore thank him profoundly for his resilience and uncompromising stand on this very important road," he said. Musa noted that the Koko-Zuru road is a federal road that has been taken over by the Kebbi State Government due to constant construction delays and its economic importance to Kebbi and Nigeria.
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Infrastructure