The Sokoto State government, in partnership with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), has initiated the construction of nine rural access roads, spanning 80.6 km across three local government areas.

This development is in addition to the ongoing construction of 37 other roads, collectively covering 267.6 km across the state.

Malami Galadanchi, the Special Adviser on RAAMP to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, announced the project on Sunday during the handover of the 17.6 km road linking Wurno to Hamma Ali in Wurno Local Government Area (LGA).

Mr Galadanchi emphasised that the projects aligned with the administration’s “Nine-Point Agenda”, particularly focusing on enhancing market access for agricultural produce as a strategy to boost the state’s economy.

“Governor Aliyu is committed to building a new Sokoto state where every citizen can benefit from government initiatives and enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“The administration aims to transform farming communities by providing free fertilisers, farming tools, and better road access to increase the market value of agricultural products,” he stated.

The special adviser added that the projects were scheduled for completion within an 18-month time frame.

“The roads are estimated at a cost of N9.31 billion for the 80.6 km stretch and are expected to be completed in 18 months.

“I assure you that funding will not be an issue, as the government has already deposited the entire contract sum into the RAAMP account,” Mr Galadanchi said.

He further reassured the citizens of the governor’s commitment to providing effective leadership to meet the people’s basic needs.

In his remarks, Wurno LGA chairman Abba Isa-Achida expressed gratitude to the state government, adding that the project would improve the residents’ quality of life.

Similarly, Kabiru Chigari, the district head of Wurno, commended the government and RAAMP for the initiative, describing it as an invaluable opportunity to alleviate economic hardship in the area.

Other roads handed over to the contractors included the Waziri Estate to Gidan Faruk Road, Gurmin Gawo to Kunkumi Road, Abattoir to Lukuyawa Road, and Kaura Mido to Sifawa Road in Bodinga LGA.

(NAN)