Sokoto: RAAMP inspects N9.3bn access road projects under construction

The Sokoto State chapter of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has inspected the construction of 88 kilometers of access roads valued at N9.3 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji Malami Galadanchi, RAAMP Special Advisor to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, led the team of officials to the construction site at Tambuwal Local Government Area on Monday.

Galadanchi stated that the inspection aligned with the project’s mandate to ensure proper execution of the rural access road projects.

“Gov. Ahmed Aliyu approved the construction of these roads to assist citizens, especially farmers, in easing the difficulties they face accessing markets.

“This development will help farmers transport their produce to markets and cities, significantly boosting the state’s economic value,” he said.

He explained that the 21-kilometer road under construction in Tambuwal LGA, awarded at N2.3 billion, would connect the communities of Alasan, Faga, Bagasakka, Bakaya, and Romo.

“These communities are primarily farming areas, cultivating vast hectares of land to produce cereals, cash crops, and fruits with high economic value.

“The construction is progressing well but was halted due to rainy season. We expect the contractor to return to complete the work soon, so that it can be handed over to the community for use,” he said.

At another construction site in Illela LGA, a 7-kilometer road connecting Illela, Kalmalo, and Rinji Junction was also underway.

Galadanchi said the project, valued at over N620 million, was delayed due to flooding, which submerged more than 2 kilometers of the site.

He noted that all ongoing projects aligned with Gov. Aliyu’s Nine-Point Agenda, focused on boosting the economy and improving the living standards of rural communities.

Dr. Bashir Achida, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Economy, emphasised that the roads would provide easy access to markets, enhancing economic growth across the state.

“These roads will reduce transportation costs for farmers, helping to lower the cost of goods for citizens,” he said.

Alhaji Malami Tambuwal, the project coordinator, added that the projects, which were set for an 18-month completion timeline, aimed to meet the needs of rural residents efficiently.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that additional ongoing projects include; 21.8 km road connecting Kaffe, Gidan Hashimu, Tsetse, Kaddi, and Arawa in Gada LGA, awarded at N2.7 billion.

Also awarded is 7.7 km road linking Gande, Male, Gwahitto, and Fako in Silame LGA and 14.5 km road connecting Buzu Lela, Lukuwa, Yargada, and Malikawa communities in Gwadabawa LGA, valued at N730 million and N1.4 billion respectively.

Others are 11.7 km road connecting Tabargawa, Badau, and Sifawa, and a 4.5 km road connecting Takatuku and Dandadu in Bodinga LGA, awarded at N1.7 billion.