When 55-year-old Mohammed Danjebu recalled the years before the construction of the new road linking his village of Hardawa to Gwaram and Akuyam in Misau local government area of Bauchi State, his eyes welled up with emotion.
“We used to be cut off from everything,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia and relief.
Also, according to Yahaya Imam, a 45-year-old resident of Badara in the Kifri local government area, the construction of the Mainamaji-Badara-Kuka-Pali Road revolutionised agricultural business and the marketing of farm products.
Before the road was constructed, farmers in Badara and the neighbouring communities faced significant challenges in transporting their produce to larger markets. The rough, unpaved paths made it difficult to move goods, often leading to spoilage and forcing farmers to sell at low prices within their villages.
“This road has changed everything for us. Before, we were at the mercy of middlemen who knew we couldn’t get our goods to the bigger markets, so they offered us very low prices. Now, I can take my tomatoes and peppers directly to the market in Bauchi, the state capital, where I get good prices. It has brought prosperity to our community, and we are no longer struggling like we used to,” he said.
Both Danjebu’s and Imam’s stories are one of many in Bauchi State, where the construction of rural roads has been nothing short of life-changing for residents.
About two days ago, the state government commenced the construction of the multi-billion naira 30.33km Charachara-Ragwam-Magwanshi-Lafiya Road; 25.80km Mainamaji-Badara-Kuka-Pali Road; the 18.88km Akuyam-Gwaram-Hardawa Road; the 15.00km Durum-Nahuta Road, and the 25.00km Garin Gami-Gadai-Madufa Road. These roads spread across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The construction of these roads was facilitated under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which is supported by the World Bank and the French Development Agency and aims to enhance agricultural activities and economic opportunities for the rural populace.
For years, the lack of accessible roads has stifled agricultural product marketing and economic growth, left communities isolated, and cut off essential services and opportunities. But today, with ongoing efforts to develop rural infrastructure, these roads are more than just pathways – they are lifelines.
The new rural roads in Bauchi are not just about convenience; they are about connection. Before these roads were built, many villages were only accessible via narrow, muddy paths that became treacherous during the rainy season. Farmers like Danjebu and Imam faced enormous challenges in accessing markets, healthcare and education.
The construction of rural roads has also had a profound impact on the local economy. Before the roads were built, farmers in these communities faced significant challenges in getting their produce to the market. Often, they had to rely on middlemen who took advantage of their isolation, buying their goods at meagre prices. But with better roads, farmers can now transport their goods to larger markets in Bauchi and beyond, where they command fairer prices.
Similarly, the roads have also stimulated local commerce. Small businesses are springing up along these newly accessible routes, providing goods and services to residents and travellers alike. “We’re seeing more people setting up shops, and there’s more movement of goods in and out of the villages,”, a local business owner in Mainamaji, Sani Ahmed said, adding that, “It’s brought life to our community.”
Governor Bala Mohammed emphasised the state’s commitment to the project, noting that a total sum of N2.4 billion had been provided as counterpart funding. “We have demonstrated our strong political will on the project and we have supported the institutional and legislative reforms needed by the project,” he added.
Three reputable construction firms have been awarded contracts for these roads totalling over N23 billion. Governor Mohammed said the contracts “have been duly procured by the World Bank in accordance with international best practices.”
Highlighting the broader impact of these projects, Governor Mohammed expressed his satisfaction that the initiative represented an unprecedented attention to rural infrastructure in Bauchi State. “It is gratifying to note that this is the first time in the history of Bauchi State that rural areas are receiving such unprecedented attention in road construction to the tune of over N23 billion,” he remarked, emphasising the transformative potential of these roads for the state’s rural economy.
The commissioner for rural development and special duties, Farouk Mustapha, echoed the governor’s sentiments, framing the event as a fulfilment of the administration’s campaign promises. “This event is a fulfilment of campaign promises to provide access roads to the rural populace,” Mustapha stated.
He recalled the flag-off of the Liman-Katagum-Luda-Leka pilot road scheme in September 2023, where Governor Mohammed promised to improve rural access roads. “Today, true to the character of our amiable governor, we are witnessing the fulfilment of the promise in the flag-off of five rural roads across the state,” he added, commending the governor’s dedication to rural development.
The national coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga, also praised Governor Mohammed’s efforts, noting the significance of these projects in improving the living standards of rural communities.
“Let me commend the governor for his efforts toward rural transformation by providing the needed rural transport infrastructure, which in turn improves the living standards of our rural communities, reduces poverty, provides access to social amenities, and provides ease of transportation of agricultural produce,” Bodinga stated.
He further revealed that an additional 155 kilometres of rural roads are being prepared, bringing the total to nearly 300 by the end of 2024. As RAAMP prepares to roll out the phase II of the project, Engr. Bodinga made a poignant request for continued support.
“As we prepare to roll out phase II before the end of 2024, I kindly request additional counterpart funds from His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. To whom much is given, much is equally expected,” he said.
The construction of rural roads in Bauchi is more than just a development project – it is a catalyst for change. It has improved access to education, healthcare, and markets, fostering economic growth and empowering residents, particularly women. As more communities are connected, the potential for further economic and social development is immense. In Bauchi State, the future is indeed on the move – one road at a time.
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