Bauchi Gov launches Construction of 12 additional RAAMP Rural Road projects, Pays over N6 billion Counterpart funding
By Abbas Usman, Bauchi
In his administration’s determination to continue providing dividends of democracy to the good people of Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed, has launched the construction of twelve rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to improve transportation, agricultural access and socioeconomic development across several local government areas.
The projects includes the 24-kilometre Lanzai–Papa Road, 14.45-kilometre Misau–Beti–Maladumba Road, 28-kilometre Gamawa–Sakwa Road, 14.75-kilometre Dargazu–Gambaki–Chinade–Gangai corridor, as well as the Yana–Faggo and Giade–Tagwaye roads measuring 6.68 and 6.6 kilometres respectively.
Speaking during the flagging-off of one of the 12 projects in Gamawa, on Monday, Governor Bala Mohammed who affirmed the state’s willingness to provide required resources to strengthen RAAMP implementation, maintained that the initiative was driven by the needs of rural communities.
The governor appreciated Federal Government, World Bank and other partners for their intervention, and urged the benefiting communities to cooperate with contractors, safeguard project sites and take ownership of the infrastructure to ensure sustainability and long-term benefits.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, the State Commissioner of Rural Development and Special Duties Hon. Faruq Mustapha, informed that the present administration under Governor Bala Mohammed has so far flagged off 134 kilometres of strategic rural roads most of which have reached appreciable completion levels.
He therefore commended the governor for his commitment and show of political will by constant payment of all counterpart funds to development partners.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to serve as watch-dogs to protect the facilities.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator for RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed explained that the second phase of the project, covering 203 kilometres was designed to enhance access to markets, hospitals and schools, urging contractors to maintain high standards and timely completion.
While commending Governor Bala Mohammed for his commitment towards improving quality of lives of the citizens, the National Project Coordinator said Bauchi State has provided over six billion naira in counterpart funding.
He urged other states to emulate the gesture.
