President Muhammad Buhari, in line with his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development has commissioned and handed over the completed 66.10km Gombe- Kaltungo Road at Kumo Town, Gombe State.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs. Blessing Lere-Adams over the weekend.
President Buhari who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami observed that his administration had given priority to infrastructure development starting from road, to rail line and broadband development.
Mr. President disclosed that the Federal Government had embarked on the National Information and Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 2.
Also about 400 Million US dollars had been planned for the project which will commence from Abuja to Borno State.
He said that his administration had given approval for the construction of the rail line from Borno to Rivers State, adding that the rail line was an area that lacked attention before the advent of this administration.
The Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya praised the Federal Government for the completion of the Kaltungo-Gombe Road Project.
The Governor observed that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing had successfully completed several roads to ensure that road users have a rewarding travelling experience.
He added that the Gombe – Kaltungo Road Project had created jobs directly and indirectly as well as provided socio-economic benefits to the people.
Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways North East in the Ministry, Engineer Celestine Shausu disclosed that the road was the sixth to be commissioned in the second phase of highway projects completion and commisioning.
He said, “This is the second phase of project completion and handover our country will be witnessing as we progress further in this season of completion and impact which started in the last quarter of 2021”, said Fashola.
The Minister recalled the completion of Efon Alaaye – Erinmo Iwaraja road in Ekiti, Isoko Ring Road Section II covering Aviara- Uzere in Delta State, Phase II of Hadejia – Nguru Road covering Kirikasama – Nguru in Jigawa State, Nguru – Gashua- Bayamari Road in Yobe State and Lafia – Obi Awe – Tunga Road in Nassarawa State that were completed in the last quarter of 2021 which he described as major investments in road transport infrastructure that serve as drivers for economic growth and prosperity.
The Minister said these completed roads were viable assets in proof of what the country’s resources are invested in.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by Engineer Amos Thomas stated that the Buhari led administration was focused on the completion of several on going road infrastructure projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promotion of local content.
He added that the government was also committed to linking the major arterial roads to refineries, ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters.
