Borno earmarks N4 billion for roads in Sambisa forest, border communities

The Borno State Government has earmarked N4 billion for the construction of roads into the Sambisa forest and some liberated border communities of the state.

Commissioner for Works and Transport, Adamu Lawan, spoke yesterday in Maiduguri, while responding to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor demands for individuals, governments and corporate organisations to assist the military construct roads into Sambisa forest.

He said the state government will support the Army in the reconstruction efforts. Besides the budgetary allocation, the state government also donated seven trucks and three excavators to the Army to build eight roads into the forest.

When the roads are completed, they will link many liberated communities in six council areas of Bama, Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa, Askiara/Uba and Konduga.

Lawan added that the access roads could also facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to border communities of Kala/Balge, Abadam, Gashigar, and Mallam Fatori on the shores of Lake Chad.

“Already, heavy duty trucks have been deployed to some of the liberated communities to assist the military in clearing roads of explosives; and activate fishing, farming and other socio economic activities,” said Lawan.