The Kaduna State Government said it has set aside N3.5 billion to compensate property owners and service providers as it commences new road and rehabilitation projects across the 23 local government areas.

The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna.

According to him, the state executive council gave the approval at its recent meeting, marking the commencement of the second phase of Governor Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation and Urban Renewal Programme.

He said the compensation package was designed to ensure smooth implementation of the projects by resolving any issue relating to rights-of-way and land ownership.

He stated, “The new road projects are aimed at enhancing connectivity, facilitating access to markets and public services, and consolidating on the infrastructure already delivered in the governor’s first two years in office.’’

Mr Ahmed explained that all the 23 LGAs would benefit from the projects, adding that the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

“We are not just building roads; we are building pathways to opportunity, trade, and growth. His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, is determined to ensure that no community is left behind,” he stated.

Some of the newly approved projects include the reconstruction of Rigasa Township roads in Igabi LGA and Kwoi Township roads in Jaba LG.

Others are the asphaltic road linking Kachia-Zonkwa Road to the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia LG and the completion of the long-abandoned dual carriage road from PAN Drive through Television Garage to Sabon Tasha in Chikun LG.

Also approved are the Bassawa Junction–Hunkiyi Junction road linking Sabon Gari and Kudan LGs and the Kayarda Tasha Maskawa Dan Alhaji Road in Lere LG.

Mr Ahmed said over 780 kilometres of roads had already been constructed or rehabilitated under the Uba Sani administration, including several legacy projects initiated by previous administrations.

He stated, “Some of these projects date back to the era of the late Governor Patrick Yakowa. We are committed to completing and sustaining them to ensure maximum benefit for the people.’’

Describing the new approvals as a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development drive, Mr Ahmed assured that the projects would be executed on schedule and in line with international standards.

He emphasised the government’s focus on accountability, transparency, and value for money in all infrastructure-related expenditures.

(NAN)