By Angela Atabo
The Federal Government has inspected ongoing and completed federal road projects in Niger, reaffirming its commitment to delivering the projects within stipulated timelines.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects inspected included the reconstruction of the Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi Road, being handled by Gerawa, among others.
Speaking after the inspection tour, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr Aluko Eyitayo, said the visit covered key federal roads designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and boost economic activities in Niger and neighbouring states.
According to him, a major highlight of the tour was the Gwada–Shiroro Road, where the ministry inaugurated a reconstructed box culvert that collapsed about three years ago, cutting off movement between Gwada and Shiroro communities.
“That incident caused a serious disconnect between Gwada and Shiroro, but today the box culvert has been successfully reconstructed.
“Travel time has been significantly reduced, and traffic is now flowing freely,” Eyitayo said.
He added that emergency repairs had also been carried out on severely damaged sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road, which had previously caused traffic congestion.
“Today, traffic is moving smoothly and the communities are very happy,” he said.
Eyitayo also expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina–Kontagora Road, describing it as a vital link between the North-Central and North-West regions.
“The total length of that road is 29.5 kilometres. Out of this, about 16 kilometres have already been asphalted, and the quality of work is satisfactory.
“The road links the North-Central to the North-West through Kerbin and is being executed in two phases,” he said.
Residents and commuters along the inspected corridors expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, describing the interventions as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Administration.
The traditional leader of the community, Alhassan Zarumi, thanked the Federal Government, engineers and contractors for the intervention, describing the road as a former “death trap”.
“This road is very important because it links the National Grid at the Shiroro Power Station. Without this repair, movement would have been impossible.
“We are satisfied with the work and we thank the Federal Government for restoring free movement between Minna and Shiroro,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Niger Chapter, Dr Bala Saliu, said the project had already delivered visible social and economic benefits to the community.
“As remote as this area is, the impact of this intervention cannot be overemphasised.
“The community is happy, and the project has improved both economic activities and social welfare,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Minna Branch, Mr Abubakar Kawu, described the project as strategic, noting that the road leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station.
“This intervention will reduce accidents, boost economic activities and positively impact the power sector,” Kawu said.
He added that engineers had assessed the project and found it compliant with extant professional and engineering standards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
