Commission Hands Over Bridges, Market, Others To Bauchi Govt

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has handed over three major bridges, an ultra-modern cattle market, school and health facilities to the Bauchi State government in Alkaleri and Kirfi local government areas of the state.

The projects were formally handed over by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, during a ceremony held yesterday.

The bridges, constructed along the Bauchi-Gombe Road, are located at Bara, Kalajanga, and Tashan Turmi. They include the Kalajanga Bridge (three spans of 15 metres), the Bara Bridge (five spans of 20 metres), and the Tashan Turmi Bridge (15 spans of 20 metres).

The Bauchi-Gombe highway had in recent years been repeatedly cut off by severe erosion, disrupting movement and economic activities. The construction of the modern bridges was therefore aimed at permanently addressing the challenge and improving regional connectivity.

Other projects handed over to the state government include Government Secondary School (GSS) Yelwan Duguri, an Ultra-Modern Cattle Market in Alkaleri an 18-bed capacity Primary Health Care Centre in Yashi, Alkaleri and other one in Kirfi Local Government Areas, as well as the rehabilitation of an examination hall, classrooms, construction of perimeter fencing, and a block of three classrooms at Government Day Secondary School, Mainamaji, Bauchi State.

The minister led a high-powered delegation that included the Chairman and Managing ADirector/Chief Executive Officer of NEDC, Alhaji Mohammad G. Alkali, directors of the commission, lawmakers, and other government officials.

Speaking during the handover of the bridges, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu said the projects were of immense benefit, not only to Bauchi State but to neighbouring states and even countries, given the strategic importance of the Bauchi-Gombe corridor.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring sustained collaboration with the National Assembly to make funds available for critical infrastructure development.

“This effort deserves commendation. I also thank members of both chambers of the National Assembly for the positive synergy that has resulted in infrastructure that connects communities and promotes development,” he said.

Receiving the projects on behalf of the state government, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, commended the NEDC for its impactful interventions.