Governor Aminu Masari says Katsina is spending over N15 billion to build drainage and has flagged off the construction of Kofar Kaura and Kofar Kwaya interchanges.

“Here in Katsina under the NEWMAP, we are spending over N15 billion to construct drainages (sic) that would evacuate water from the metropolis under phase one,” the governor announced. “Phase II will start next year directly from the government revenue. In Katsina city alone, we have spent over N5 billion in providing drainage.”

The interchanges will cost N5,714,353,312.5.

While flagging off the project on Thursday, the governor said it was a historic moment to witness the commencement of such a project in the city of Katsina.

He added that the two bridges would be beneficial to Nigerians.

Mr Masari explained that the Kofar Kaura underpass would be built at an estimated cost of N2,906,277,281.25 and that of Kofar Kwaya at an estimated cost of N2,808,076,031.25.

“If you could remember, part of our restoration agenda is urban renewal, which means upgrading the existing structures in the major towns and constructing new ones. We started with the provision of drainages through collaboration with the world bank,” stated the governor.

The governor further disclosed his administration would spend over N2 billion to provide additional facilities.

“We are also examining other places that require intervention, especially in terms of vehicular movement. We have so far identified two or three places, and we will discuss with our designers to see how we can approach this because decongestion does not mean breaking down houses alone. It means giving free movement, easy access to places,” noted Mr Masari. “All these are part of urban renewal under the restoration agenda. These particular two projects, the contractor would have no excuse because already we have paid in advance, 70 per cent of the total cost.”

Mr Masari appealed to the contractor and the consultant to evacuate water from the road.

He also commended the residents for their support and understanding even during what he described as the most difficult time, appealing that they should continue to pray over the security challenges in the state.

The project manager, Triacta construction company, handling the project, Sadek Awwad, assured the governor that they would do everything possible to meet its deadline next year.

(NAN)