Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari has started work on the Kofar Kaura and Kofar Kwaya interchange bridges, which are expected to cost N5,714,353,312.5.
While flagging off the project on Thursday, the governor said it was a historic moment to witness the start of such a project in Katsina.
He stated that the two inter-change bridges that will be built would benefit all people entering or leaving Katsina state.
Masari stated that the Kofar Kaura underpass would cost N2,906,277,281.25 and the Kofar Kwaya underpass would cost N2,808,076,031.25.
“As you may recall, part of our restoration agenda includes urban renewal, which entails upgrading existing structures in major cities and constructing new ones.”
“We began by providing drainages in collaboration with the World Bank.” Under phase one of the NEWMAP, we are spending over N15 billion in Katsina to build drainages that will evacuate water from the city.
“Phase ll will begin directly from government revenue next year; in Katsina alone, we have spent over N5 billion on drainage.”
“This is extremely important and significant, especially in light of the heavy rains we’ve had in the last three years.”
“The story would have been different if adequate drainages and channels for evacuating rain water had not been provided,” he said.
The governor stated that the government would spend over N2 billion on additional facilities before the end of the administration, and that it is also considering a new road that would run through the old city, all within the time frame.
“We are also looking into other locations that may require intervention, particularly in terms of vehicular movement.” So far, we’ve narrowed it down to two or three locations.
“And we’ll talk to our designers about how we can approach this, because decongestion doesn’t just mean breaking down houses; it also means allowing free movement and easy access to places.”
“All of this is part of the restoration agenda’s urban renewal.”
“The contractor would have no excuse for these two projects because we have already paid 70% of the total cost in advance.”
“And we’ve made adequate provisions so that if the contractor can work his magic and finish this in one day, we’ll have his remaining money ready for him.”
“These are the types of projects that you don’t start until you’re certain of the sources of funds or the funds are already available to pay the contractor as soon as the certificates are approved,” he explained.
Masari also appealed to the contractor and consultant about the quality of work, particularly drainages to remove water from the road.
He also praised the people of the state for their support and understanding even during what he described as the most difficult time, urging them to continue to pray about the state’s security challenges.
Mr. Sadek Awwad, project manager for the Triacta construction company, which is handling the project, assured the governor that they would do everything possible to meet the project’s completion deadline, which is next year.
A road or path that runs beneath a railway or another road is known as an underpass.