The Katsina State Government has awarded a contract for the total rehabilitation of the Shargalle-Dusti-Ingawa road at N13.8 billion to boost agriculture and economic activities in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the project on Friday in Shargalle, Dutsi local government area, Gov. Dikko Radda said that the project was awarded to Mother Cart, with a year completion period.

He said that the 39km road, starts from Shargalle, in the Dutsi local government to Ingawa local government area of the state.

“The road was first constructed by the former governor of defunct Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

“The road is crucial for connectivity and economic development of our communities.

“I am aware of the challenges faced by the residents and travellers along this vital road.

“The poor condition of the road has not only hampered the movement of people but also adversely affected the trade, agriculture and other socio-economic activities in our communities.

“It has become imperative for us to take this decisive action to restore this lifeline to its former glory.

“The rehabilitation is a key component of the Building Your Future agenda, to enhance infrastructure development across the state.

“Good roads not only facilitate transportation of goods and services but also foster economic growth by attracting investments, creating jobs and improving access to markets,” he said.

According to Radda, the government has paid 40 per cent of the contract sum to the contractor.

He urged the contractor to deliver and comply with the stipulated construction guidelines.

In his remarks, on behalf of traditional rulers in the area, the District Head of Dutsi, who is also the Marusan Katsina, Alhaji Lawal Sani, commended the government for awarding the road project.

Sani said that former President Umaru Yar’adua, reconstructed a collapsed bridge on the road when he was the state governor.

The commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Sani Magaji, said that the road would boost socio-economic activities in the areas.

He assured the people in the area that the ministry would ensure that the contractor adhered strictly to the terms of the contract.

The contractor, Mr. Maroun Ghostine, pledged to complete the project within the stipulated period.

He apologised to the residents of the area for the inconveniences the job could cause to them.(NAN)