Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, has said Governor Uba Sani is set to surpass his own infrastructure record with the ongoing 36-kilometre Bagoma–Gagumi road project in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
Baba Ahmed made the disclosure during an inspection visit to the project site at the weekend, describing the governor’s rural infrastructure drive as revolutionary.
He said that when completed, the Bagoma–Gagumi road would surpass the recently commissioned Gadan Gayan–Gwaraji–Kujama road, which had earlier been described as the longest road constructed in the state in the last two decades.
The 35-kilometre Gadan Gayan–Gwaraji–Kujama road cuts across Igabi, Kajuru and Chikun local government areas and features a 130-metre bridge over the Kaduna River, providing access to several rural communities.
According to the KADRA managing director, the ongoing Bagoma–Gagumi road will open up about 66 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area when completed.
He explained that the road would improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities while also boosting economic activities in the agrarian communities.
“Birnin Gwari is one of Nigeria’s leading maize-producing areas, and this road will greatly enhance the transportation of farm produce and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
Baba Ahmed added that the project forms part of the governor’s broader initiative to construct about 1,345 kilometres of roads across 20 local government areas in the state.
He disclosed that the state government had so far initiated about 150 infrastructure projects under the programme, out of which 66 had already been completed.
The KADRA boss further revealed that the Bagoma–Gagumi road is being handled by CGC Nigeria Limited, a construction firm known for executing major infrastructure projects including roads, bridges and water supply facilities.
He noted that although the project is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, the contractor had assured the government of the possibility of delivering the project ahead of schedule.
The Northern Regional Manager of CGC, Wang Hongxi, said the company had mobilised additional workers and equipment to ensure speedy completion of the project.
“We have mobilised more workers and are working round the clock to ensure that the project is delivered on schedule,” he said.
Residents of Bagoma and Gagumi communities expressed optimism that the road would significantly improve transportation and economic activities in the area.
A resident, Musa Bagoma, said the road had been in a poor state for years but was now being transformed into a modern highway that would ease movement and boost commerce.
Similarly, a trader in the area, Dangajere Gagumi, said the road would make it easier for farmers and traders to transport goods to markets and also improve access to schools for children.
Another resident, Ibrahim Mande, commended the state government for prioritising rural infrastructure, noting that the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of rural communities.
