From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency, KADRA, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Baba, states that ongoing road projects across the state are progressing steadily and meeting quality standards despite the rainy season.
Dr. Baba made this statement on Wednesday during a routine inspection of active road construction projects in the Kaduna South and Romi areas, during which he evaluated work at several sites.
He explained that the inspection is part of KADRA’s responsibility to ensure contractors follow specifications and complete projects within scheduled timelines.
He noted that the agency first inspected the road from Zenith Bank along Old Kachia Road to the Western Bypass at Nasarawa/Flour Mills, managed by CCCC.
“The stone base has been finished, and priming will start immediately. We are confident this project will be completed before the end of August,” he said.
The KADRA director added that the team also inspected the Pan Drive dualization project from Western Bypass through Television Garage to Sabon Tasha.
He stated that contractor Mothercat Nigeria Ltd. is currently executing drainage and other hydraulic structures and will soon begin major earthworks.
At Sabon Tasha Juji Road, connecting College Road to the Eastern Bypass, Dr. Baba said JPatel and Sons Nigeria Ltd. is making steady progress, with hydraulic structures nearing completion and the stone base already laid in several sections.
He also visited the Romi Karika township roads project, comprising about five internal roads where asphalt paving has started.
“The contractor is carefully monitoring weather conditions to maximize asphalt work during favorable periods,” he explained.
Dr. Baba mentioned that Governor Uba Sani has launched about 150 road projects across the 23 local government areas, totaling roughly 1,355 kilometers.
He added that these include 11 newly awarded township roads in Zaria and six roads in Kafanchan, which have already been completed.
“Governor Uba Sani has turned Kaduna State into a major construction hub through significant investment in road infrastructure,” he said.
The managing director expressed satisfaction with both the quality and progress of the projects he inspected.
“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 stated.
He assured that the roads are being built to durable standards and most projects are expected to finish before the rainy season ends.
Residents of the communities benefiting from these roads praised the state government for prioritizing infrastructure development.
A community member, Mr. Nuhu Shagaya, called the projects people-oriented and said they would improve transportation and boost the economy.
“The roads will ease the movement of farm produce and improve access to schools, markets, and other essential services,” he said.
Shagaya also recalled that poor roads and flooding previously disrupted movement and threatened homes, and appealed to the government to address erosion and drainage problems in some residential areas.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Romi Chapter, Rev. Stephen Samson Ibrahim, also expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his promise to the community.
“Residents had endured years of poor road infrastructure, but now have renewed hope because of the ongoing projects. We are satisfied with the visible quality of work, and the roads will improve our living conditions,” he said.
The community’s Youth Leader, Mr. Michael Yahya, said previous administrations failed to address road issues despite repeated appeals.
He added that the ongoing projects would revive businesses, attract investment, and create more economic opportunities for the youth.
Rev. Adam Bello, chairman of the community committee liaising with the contractor, described the projects as transformational.
“Romi has long appeared neglected despite being part of the Kaduna metropolis. These new roads will significantly enhance the community’s image. We pledge our continued support for this administration,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs. Mercy Bulus, a trader, thanked the governor for initiating these projects and prayed for his administration’s success.
She stated that improved roads would boost business activity and ease residents’ lives in the community.
