Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has flagged off the construction of 115 kilometres of roads across the state’s three senatorial zones under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project designed to boost agricultural marketing and improve the residents’ livelihoods.
Speaking at the occasion conducted separately in the benefiting communities on Thursday, the governor said the momentous event marks a significant stride towards complementing the efforts of his administration on rural development and highlighted the strategic importance of the project, which he said aligns with the state’s broader vision of improving rural access and agricultural marketing.
He said, “The RAAMP project is to be implemented over five years to provide sustainable access roads in rural areas, thereby facilitating agricultural activities and enhancing economic opportunities for the rural populace.
“The state is committed to the project, where a total sum of N2.4 billion had been provided as counterpart funding.”
The governor, underscoring the extensive groundwork that had been laid for this initiative, mentioned, “The 115km roads awarded as 30.33km Charachara-Ragwam-Magwanshi-Lafiya Road, 25.80km Mainamaji-Badara-Kuka-Pali Road, 18.88km Akuyam-Gwaram-Hardawa Road, 15.00km Durum-Nahuta Road, and the 25.00km Garin Gami-Gadai-Madufa Road totalling over N23 billion.
“We have demonstrated our strong political will on the RAAMP project, and we have supported the institutional and legislative reforms needed by the project. In our first tenure, we accomplished the project preparation in accordance with the project development objective agreed with the Federal Government of Nigeria, The World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the 19 participating states.”
Mohammed noted that the World Bank has duly procured the contract using international best practices, highlighting the broader impact of these projects.
The governor expressed his satisfaction that the initiative represents an unprecedented level of attention to rural infrastructure in Bauchi state.
He insisted that it was gratifying to note that this is the first time in the history of Bauchi State that rural areas are receiving such unprecedented attention in road construction, emphasizing the transformative potential of these roads for the state’s rural economy.
“The inauguration of these roads is more than just a step forward in infrastructure development; it is a promise kept, a vision realized, and a future secured for the rural communities of Bauchi State. With construction now underway, the state is set to witness a transformation that will enhance connectivity, boost agricultural productivity, and ultimately, improve the quality of life for its rural populace,” he stated.
On his part, the Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Farouk Mustapha, echoed the governor’s sentiments, framing the event as a fulfillment of the administration’s campaign promises.
He said “This event is a fulfillment of campaign promises to provide access roads to the rural populace.
“Recalled the flag-off of the Liman-Katagum-Luda-Leka pilot road scheme in September 2023, where Governor Mohammed had promised to improve rural access roads.
“Today, true to the character of our amiable governor, we are witnessing the fulfillment of the promise in the flag-off of five rural roads across the state”.
In a keynote address at the flag off of the road, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga praised the Bauchi governor’s efforts, noting the significance of these projects in improving the living standards of rural communities.
He said, “Let me commend the governor for his efforts toward rural transformation in Bauchi state by providing the needed rural transport infrastructure which in turn improves the living standards of our rural communities, reduces poverty, provides access to social amenities, and provides ease of transportation of agricultural produce.
“An additional 155 kilometres of rural roads are currently being prepared, bringing the total to nearly 300 kilometres by the end of 2024.
“As RAAMP prepares to roll out phase II of the project, Engr. Bodinga made a poignant request for continued support, saying, “As we prepare to roll out phase II before the end of 2024, I kindly request additional counterpart funds from His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. To whom much is given, much is equally expected.”