N64 Billion Zuru-Koko Road Project Kicks Off in Kebbi State

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl 

The construction of the 87-kilometer Federal Zuru-Koko road in Kebbi State has commenced, with Governor Nasir Idris flagging off the project at Dabai on Tuesday. The project, valued at N64 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Governor Idris informed the Emir of Zuru that the road, which belongs to the Federal Government, was initially awarded to a contracting firm years ago, but the contract was revoked due to non-performance. The Federal authorities then gave permission to the Kebbi State Government to execute the job, with the promise of reimbursement.

"Whether the Federal Government reimburses Kebbi State or not, my administration is determined to construct the road because of its importance and immense economic benefits to Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, and the nation," Governor Idris said. "We shall monitor it strictly, our professionals will routinely supervise the execution of the job."

The governor warned transporters not to overload trucks plying the road, to ensure its longevity. He also announced that the government would set up a committee to ensure compliance.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Faruq Muslim, explained that 40% mobilization fees had been advanced to the contractors to facilitate the pace of work. "The job is to be completed in 18 months timeframe, ZBBC will handle 25km from Dabai-Mahuta, Habib Engineering Ltd. will execute 25km from Mahuta-Marafa, while GNIC is to construct 37km from Marafa-Koko," he said.

Governor Idris also informed the Zuru Monarch that an assessment was ongoing to upgrade the General Hospital Zuru to a Referral Centre, to ease the difficulty of patients referred to tertiary health facilities. During his statewide thank-you-tour, the governor visited Fakai, Sakaba, Danko-Wasagu, and Zuru Local Government Areas, where he approved the establishment of a Government Girls Secondary School in Sakaba and flagged off the construction of an 11-kilometer rural road in Fakai Local Government, valued at N2.3 billion.