A former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of N4.7 billion for the construction of four recreational parks in Bauchi metropolis.

He also inaugurated 18 completed township roads executed by the Bauchi State government.

Mr Jonathan said the parks would contribute toward addressing environmental challenges, create employment opportunities and boost commercial activities in the state capital.

He described the projects as evidence of visionary leadership, responsive governance and purposeful investment in infrastructure.

The former president said that roads remained critical to economic growth because they connect communities, facilitate commerce and create opportunities for the people.

“Roads are not merely physical infrastructure; they are investments in a connected future,” he said.

He urged residents of the state to support the government and protect the roads against vandalism, adding that maintenance of public infrastructure was a shared responsibility between government and citizens.

He commended the people of the state for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.

“Bauchi has always occupied a special place in my heart because of the long-standing relationship with the state.

“I remember its contributions and commitment to the administration,” he said.

Mr Jonathan said the Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration had demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of the people through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development.

He expressed confidence that Bauchi State would continue on the path of peace, stability and sustainable development.

Also, Mr Mohammed said the park projects comprised of the Golden Jubilee; Hassan Usman Katsina, Suleiman Adamu and Shehu Azare Park, adding that the fourth recreational park was part of the urban renewal development initiative designed to address environmental challenges.

He said that the state government had paid 70 per cent of the contract sum to the contractors and expected it to be completed within 12 months.

The governor said the projects were part of his administration’s efforts to improve the aesthetics of Bauchi metropolis and provide recreational facilities for residents.

On road projects, Mr Mohammed said that the 18 township road projects covered a total length of 49.7 kilometres across the Bauchi metropolis, executed at the cost of N58.7 billion.

He said that the projects were strategically located to connect key economic areas, commercial centres, educational institutions, security formations and public facilities.

Mr Mohammed listed durable pavements, drainage systems, reinforced culverts, concrete curbs, traffic signs, thermoplastic road markings, solar-powered street lights and speed-calming measures, among other features of the projects.

He said that the projects had improved mobility, stimulated economic activities and enhanced the appearance of Bauchi metropolis, as well as created employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers during construction.

The governor said his administration had completed about 3,000km of roads out of the 5,000km target.

Mr Mohammed also described the project’s inauguration as a celebration of promise fulfilled by his administration, adding that the projects reflected lessons learnt from Mr Jonathan while he served as his minister.

“The lessons included having a clear roadmap, effective utilisation of limited resources, regular inspection of projects and adherence to timelines.

“I want to tell the people of Bauchi State that whatever I have learnt as a politician, I learnt a great deal from Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” he said.

According to Mr Mohammed, the state government is investing in rural and semi-urban roads because of the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy.

He said that good rural roads eased movement of farm produce, reduced post-harvest losses and improved access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

The governor also apologised to communities who were yet to benefit from road projects in their areas, stressing that the state’s resources were limited.

While assuring continuity of development projects by successive administrations, Mr Mohammed urged residents to protect the facilities and clear drains and shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways. 

(NAN)