Bauchi Governor Furious as Contractor Abandons Road Project After Collecting N12b

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has disclosed that the contractor handling the road project between Duguri to Rimi has abandoned the project after collecting N12 billion

Mohammed made the disclosure when he flagged off construction of the 38 kilometre Bara-Hashidu-Tubule-Garin Malam Julde- Wanka road in Kirfi Local Government Area.

The governor also inaugurated township roads in Duguri and Alkaleri towns.

Visibly angry with the action of the contractor, the governor said he told the Minister of works who pledged to find out and take decisive decision on the issue.

He assured that he will continue to follow the issue to ensure the continuation of the project for the benefit of the people.

Governor said the State government revoked the road project in kirfi local government because the contractor refused to work and abandoned the project after he received 100 percent down payment.

He explained that the state Government is partnering with the Federal Government to address the recurrent menace of flood in Cheledi town of Kirfi Local Government area of the State.

Cheledi is one of the areas that faced annual recurring floods that have led to wanton destruction of lives and property.

Floods cause sand to deposit on farms and roads, making them difficult to use.

The governor said the road the project will be carried out through Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid landscapes (ACReSAL) project, a World Bank assisted Project

He said construction of 38km rural Roads in kirfi local government area will boost Connectivity and Economic Growth as part of his administration’s efforts to boost rural development and connectivity.

“The road project, awarded at a cost of approximately N18 billion, aims to link Bara, Hashidu, Tubule, Garin Malam Julde, and Wanka rural communities, opening up new opportunities for economic growth, social interaction, and access to basic services.

Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony held at Bara Village, Governor Bala Muhammad emphasized the importance of rural infrastructure in driving development and improving the lives of rural dwellers. 

He said that the project is part of his administration’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure deficit in rural areas and promoting inclusive growth.

The governor expressed his delight at the project’s potential to transform the lives of rural communities, saying, it will not only facilitate the movement of people and goods but also provide access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.

He commended the contractor, The Triacta Nigeria Limited for their commitment to delivering quality work and assured the communities that his administration would monitor the project’s progress to ensure timely completion.

The Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu opined that projects will have a positive impact on the local economy, with farmers and traders able to transport their goods more easily, and residents having better access to social services.

The flagging-off ceremony was attended by local government officials, traditional leaders, and community members, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for his commitment to rural development.