Against fears of poor construction quality, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmad, has said that the ongoing road projects across Kaduna State are progressing steadily and meet required quality standards.

Baba stated this during an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in Kaduna South and Romi, where he assessed work at various project sites.

The KADRA Chief described the inspection as part of the Agency routine monitoring to ensure contractors complied with project specifications and delivery timelines.

According to him, the the government agency has inspected the road from Zenith Bank, Old Kachia Road, to the Western Bypass at Nasarawa/Flour Mills, being constructed by CCCC.

He explained that the contractor had completed the stone base and would commence priming immediately, expressing confidence that the project would be completed before the end of August.

The KADRA boss also pointed out that the team inspected the Pan Drive dualisation project from Western Bypass through Television Garage to Sabon Tasha.

He said the contractor, Mothercat Nigeria Ltd., was executing drainage and other hydraulic structures and would soon commence major earthworks.

Dr. Baba added that the team visited the Sabon Tasha Juji road linking College Road to the Eastern Bypass, where JPatel and Sons Nigeria Ltd. was making steady progress.

He stressed further that hydraulic structures had reached advanced stages, while stone base had been completed on several sections of the road.

Besides, the managing director also inspected the Romi Karika township roads project, comprising about five internal roads, where asphalt laying had commenced.

He explained that the contractor was carefully monitoring weather conditions to maximise asphalt work during favourable periods.

Baba said Governor Uba Sani had initiated about 150 road projects across the 23 local government areas, covering approximately 1,355 kilometres.

He added that the projects included 11 newly awarded township roads in Zaria, while six roads in Kafanchan had already been completed.

According to him, the governor has transformed Kaduna State into a major construction hub through unprecedented investment in road infrastructure.

He expressed satisfaction with both the quality and pace of work across the inspected projects.

“We have conducted all the necessary quality assurance tests, including in situ density, concrete, steel reinforcement and coring tests, and the results are satisfactory,” he said.

Baba noted further that the roads were being built to durable standards and most of the ongoing projects would be completed before the end of the rainy season.

Meanwhile, the residents of the benefiting communities commended the Kaduna State Government for prioritising infrastructure development.

A community member, Mr. Nuhu Shagaya, described the projects as people oriented and said they would improve transportation and economic activities.

Shagaya said the roads would ease the movement of farm produce and improve access to schools, markets and other essential services.

He recalled that poor roads and flooding had previously disrupted movement and threatened homes within the community.

He appealed to the government to address erosion and drainage challenges affecting some residential areas.

Also, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Romi Chapter, Rev. Stephen Samson Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his promise to the community.

Ibrahim said residents had endured years of poor road infrastructure but now had renewed hope because of the ongoing projects.

He expressed satisfaction with the visible quality of work and said the roads would improve the living conditions of residents.

The Youth Leader of the community, Michael Yahya, said previous administrations failed to address the road challenges despite repeated appeals.

Yahya remarked , the ongoing projects would revive businesses, attract investment and improve economic opportunities for young people.

Also speaking, Reverend Adam Bello, Chairman of the community committee liaising with the contractor, described the projects as transformational.

He said Romi had long appeared neglected despite being part of Kaduna metropolis, adding that the new roads would significantly improve the community’s image.

Bello pledged the continued support of residents for the administration, saying the projects had restored confidence in government.

Another resident, Mrs. Mercy Bulus, a trader, thanked the governor for initiating the projects and prayed for the success of his administration.

She said the improved roads would enhance business activities and make life easier for residents of the community.