The Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Maigwari II, has commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge to reconstruct the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road which has been in a statement of disrepair for decades.
The traditional ruler made the remarks on Tuesday at the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Federal Highway.
He described the project as a historic milestone for his people, adding that the commencement of the project marked the fulfilment of long-standing prayers of the people and represented renewed hope for economic recovery, improved security and sustainable development.
He recalled that during a visit to Birnin-Gwari on 2 December 2022, Tinubu personally assessed the deplorable condition of the road and made two commitments to restore security and reconstruct the highway.
“Today, by the grace of Allah, those commitments have become reality. A promise fulfilled is more valuable than a promise made.
“We sincerely thank Mr President for standing with the people of Birnin-Gwari during our difficult times,” he said.
The emir noted that security had improved significantly across the emirate, enabling farmers to return to their farms, markets to resume activities and residents to regain confidence.
He also commended Kaduna State governor Uba Sani for his efforts in improving security, infrastructure development and ensuring that the road project moved from aspiration to implementation.
The traditional ruler further acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Works for advancing the project, describing the highway as an economic lifeline connecting northern and southern Nigeria.
According to him, the road serves thousands of farmers, traders, transporters, students and travellers daily, making it critical to national commerce and agricultural productivity.
The emir, however, appealed to the Federal Government to begin construction from the Birnin Gwari-Udawa section, which he described as the most deteriorated stretch of the highway.
He also urged government to give attention to the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road, Birnin Gwari-Tuwa Road and the Birnin Gwari-Funtua Road, describing them as strategic national corridors essential for agriculture, commerce and national integration.
Zubairu assured the government of the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities to protect the project, cooperate with contractors and sustain peace in the area.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the project as another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure development drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bello said the 122-kilometre road was a strategic economic corridor linking northern and southern Nigeria and would enhance trade, commerce and investment upon completion.
Goronyo said the project would improve movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and strengthen security operations through improved accessibility.
He added that the reconstruction fulfilled a campaign promise made by President Tinubu to the people of Birnin Gwari.
Goronyo commended the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for introducing durable road construction technologies and Governor Uba Sani for strengthening collaboration between the state and Federal Government.
He urged the contractor to ensure quality execution and timely delivery of the project.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of J. Patel and Sons Ltd., Mr Urmil Patel, assured Nigerians that the company had fully mobilised to site for the reconstruction project.
Patel said the project covers a 122-kilometre corridor from Mando Roundabout near the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna to the Niger State border at Birnin Gwari.
He explained that the highway comprises a nine-kilometre dual carriageway from Mando Roundabout to Airport Roundabout and a single carriageway for the remaining sections.
According to him, the project includes the rehabilitation of nine bridges and 93 culverts, while the road will feature asphalt pavement complemented by continuously reinforced concrete shoulders to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.
Patel said the company would employ hundreds of youths from host communities and provide training in modern road construction technologies.
He assured that all equipment had been deployed and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeline without compromising quality.
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