Federal Govt Awards Contracts For Bridges In Taraba

The federal government has awarded contracts for the reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge and the construction of the Bantaje Bridge in Taraba State as part of efforts to restore critical infrastructure and boost economic activities in the North-East.

The minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed this during the inspection and commissioning of projects in Jalingo and other parts of the state.

In a statement issued by the head of Information and Public Relations, Sani Datti, the minister said the projects would be funded by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), adding that the intervention was aimed at reconnecting communities and strengthening socio-economic development in the region.

Ahmadu explained that the delegation inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge along Wukari Road, describing the project as a nine-span, 180-metre bridge with a two-kilometre approach road which commenced last month. He also inspected the proposed site for the Bantaje Bridge.

The minister said the visit was part of efforts to assess and commission projects with direct impact on residents, noting that the commission had installed streetlights across all local government areas in the state and executed water supply projects.

In Jalingo, Ahmadu commissioned the Institute of Entrepreneurship Building at Taraba State University, a virology laboratory and an MRI block at Federal Medical Centre Jalingo.

He also inaugurated a renovated and fully equipped 60-bed ward at Zing General Hospital and handed over three two-bedroom staff quarters to the state government, noting that the projects would improve healthcare delivery and provide a better working environment for medical personnel.

The minister further inspected projects in Donga and Wukari local government areas, including a mega school at Kwararafa University, an ICT centre at Federal University Wukari and NEDC mass housing units.

Governor Agbu Kefas commended the federal government for the interventions and pledged continued collaboration to attract more development projects to the state.