By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl
The administration of Governor Nasir Idris in Kebbi State has spent over N79 billion on capital projects in the preceding year, 2024. This was announced by the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Muslim, in Birnin Kebbi, while reviewing the activities of the ministry in the past year.
According to Engr. Muslim, major projects executed by the state government include the completion of the State Ultra Modern Secretariat Complex, Gwadangaji, which cost over N10 billion. Other projects include the dualisation of the Birnin Kebbi - Ambursa road, which cost N5.6 billion, construction/rehabilitation of Birnin Kebbi City centre roads, which cost N12.9 billion, and rehabilitation of Yauri township roads, which cost N5 billion.
The state government also spent N2.9 billion on the construction of Birnin Kebbi Ultra Modern Motor Park, N6.8 billion on the dualisation of Argungu old bye-pass road, and N469.5 million on the renovation of Argungu General Hospital. Additionally, N300.6 million was spent on the construction of a fuel dump at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
Other projects executed by the state government include the renovation, modification, furnishing, construction of additional office and access road at the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which cost N708.8 million. The state government also spent N395 million on the construction of a box culvert and retaining wall along Birnin Kebbi - Makera road, and N296 million on repairs of a bridge on the Bunza - Dakingari road.
The list of projects also includes the rehabilitation, remodeling, and provision of furnishing to the Government House, which cost N4.2 billion. Various sums of money were also spent on other projects spread throughout Kebbi, including health facilities, classrooms, and mosques.
Engr. Muslim praised Governor Nasir Idris for his uncommon foresight and wisdom in directing the engagement of only tested, experienced, and qualified contractors to execute the projects. He also announced that the governor will flag off the construction of the KoKo-Mahuta-Dabai road in the next two weeks, a project that is dear to the governor's heart.
According to Engr. Muslim, the road is an economic powerhouse to seven local government areas in Kebbi South, including Koko-Besse, Yauri, Shanga, Fakai, Danko-Wasagu, Zuru, and Sakaba. He noted that Kebbi South is the agricultural backbone of Kebbi State, with a population of 2 million people.
Engr. Muslim also revealed that Governor Idris has obtained clearance from the Presidency to construct the road, which is Federal-owned. He said the governor is using the resources of the state to execute the project, given its agricultural, commercial, and economic importance to the people of Kebbi.
Tags
Infrastructure