Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has flagged off the construction of the 11-kilometer GSS Ningi-Gudduba road in Ningi Local Government Area of the state, a dual carriageway project costing over N10 billion.

The project, viewed as a reciprocation for local support, includes a 7.3-meter carriageway and 2-meter-wide shoulders, and it’s expected to be completed within eighteen months, offering long-term benefits to the state.

The dual carriageway is to stretch between Ningi-Gudduba to open up the area when the project is completed for the growth and development of Bauchi.

Speaking in Ningi on Sunday, the governor emphasized his commitment to road development, noting its crucial role in economic activities.

Mohammed explained that the contract was awarded because of its strategic importance as it serves as a gateway to the commercial city of Kano and other northern parts of the country, adding that the move would also reduce the high rate of accidents resulting in loss of lives and properties.

He said that the mobilization fee of 30 per cent has been paid to allow for the commencement of the work.

Mohammed disclosed that the contract would be jointly supervised by a team of engineers from the State Ministry of Works and Transport and the Federal Ministry of Works.

The governor who regretted that the Ningi Emirate and the central zone had been deprived of good road networks by previous administrations pointed out that his administration was correcting the anomalies in terms of creating engagements, inclusivity and respect for the yearnings and aspirations of every sector of the state.

“There is so much neglect of the Ningi emirate and it is not that easy for one administration to address them, but I will try my best as the Turaki Ningi,” he observed.

“We therefore hit the ground running on day one of our first tenure by awarding road projects to several reputable road contractors.

“This particular one that we are doing in Ningi, is in recognition of what the people of Ningi have done to us as PDP, from myself the governor, you voted for me, voted for all those who contested under the PDP. All the elected offices in the Ningi emirate were given to the PDP. The only way to say thank you is the Dualization of Ningi town.”

In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Transport, and Representative of the contracting firm highlighted some components of the project including a 7.3-meter carriageway and 2-meter-wide shoulders.

The Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ibrahim Zubairu appreciated the governor for considering the long-awaited project in his rural and urban development initiative.

“This road project is a reciprocation of what you have done to us and we will continue to do it and take one aspect of what you need to the other.