Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, on Wednesday, performed the groundbreaking of 115-kilometre access roads in the state.

The project would facilitate the construction of five access roads across the three senatorial districts of the state under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

RAAMP is being implemented with the support of the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the federal government of Nigeria and 19 participating state governments.

Mr Mohammed stated this during the inauguration of the 18.88km Hardawa – Gwaram- Akuyam road in Misau Local Government Area of the state.

‘‘Out of the 19 participating states, Bauchi is among the first three that fulfilled the legal requirements of passing the laws to establish the State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA) and the State Roads Fund (SRF).

“The five rural roads have a total 115 kilometres and the contract for the execution of the roads has been awarded to three different contractors at the total cost of N23.3 billion,’’ he said.

Mr Mohammed listed the projects to include 30.33km Charachara – Ragwam – Magwanshi – Lafiya, awarded at N5.6 billion, and 25.80km Mainamaji – Badara – Kuka – Pali road at the cost of N4.7 billion.

Others were the 18.88km Akuyam – Gwaram – Hardawa awarded at the cost of N4.2 billion; and 15km Durum – Nahuta road at the cost of N2.9 billion and the 25km Garin-Gami – Gadai – Madufa road with a total contract sum of N5.6 billion.

“The contracts have been duly procured by the World Bank in accordance with the international best practices,” the governor said.

While commending the state ministry of rural development and special duties for designing the projects in accordance with the bank’s guidelines, Mr Mohammed lauded the federal government for its support in facilitating the successful implementation of the projects.

“This is the first time in the history of the Bauchi state that the rural areas are receiving such unprecedented attention in road construction to the tune of over N23 billion”.

Mr Mohammed also tasked contractors handling the projects to ensure a quality job and complete it on schedule.

(NAN)