The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a budget of N74.5bn for the implementation of nine new road projects within the state capital. The initiative aims to enhance urban infrastructure and foster improved business activities across the city.
Engineer Sani Magaji Ingawa, the State Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, disclosed this information during a briefing with journalists following the inaugural session of the State Executive Council for the year. Chaired by Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, the council convened to deliberate on key developmental projects.
The projects, slated under Governor Dikko Radda’s Urban Renewal Program, have been contracted to the Chinese company CCECC, with an anticipated completion timeline of two years. Among the nine roads earmarked for development include:
1. Construction of the eastern bypass, stretching from Dutsinma Road, Kano Road, passing through Daura Road, and terminating at Yandaki Village in Kaita Local Government.
2. Dualisation of roads from Katsina Central Mosque through Kofar Marusa, terminating at WTC Roundabout, and another from Yandaki-Shinkafi to Kofar Sauri, and Airport Junction to the proposed bypass along Daura Road.
3. Extension of dualisation from Barhim Estate to the proposed bypass along Mani Road, and from Water Board Roundabout through Kofar Sauri to Katsina Central Mosque.
4. Construction starting from Rafin Dadi through KTSTA Roundabout to Batsari Roundabout, Central Police Station to Kofar Yandaka, and Central Police Station to Kofar Kaura underpass.
The Commissioner emphasized that two of the nine roads will be prioritized in the first phase, along with the Kofar Soro to Kofar Guga road approved by the previous administration, at a cost of thirty-eight billion naira. The first phase roads include the eastern bypass from Umaru Musa Yaradua University (UMYU) to Yandaki and Central Mosque-Kiddies to WTC Roundabout.
The commencement of the project is scheduled for February. In ensuring financial transparency, Bashir Tanimu Gambo, the State Commissioner of Finance, assured that the state government is financially equipped to mobilize the construction firm promptly. An agreement between the state government and the construction firm will be signed to prevent variations in the project scope.
Dr. Faisal Umar Kaita, the Katsina State Commissioner of Lands and Survey, also announced that the government is contemplating cluster arrangements at the Fatima Baika Central Market in Katsina to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The state government reaffirms its commitment to preserving historical landmarks during project execution.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed,
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor.
29th January, 2024
