The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Kebbi says it will complete the three ongoing direct labour road projects within three weeks in Kebbi.

The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in charge of FERMA in the state, Rilwanu Usman, made this known in an interview with journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He said the renewed hope in FERMA, under the leadership of Chukwuemeka Agbasi, believed in carrying out its mandate to the fullest.

He said the agency had constructed four cell box culverts at Wali to address the water problem on the Gotomo-Argungu-Sokoto road.

“We also constructed a reinforced concrete line drain, repaired a completely failed section, and made the Birnin-Kebbi to Sokoto border pothole-free through a very impactful programme called ‘Operation Safe Connect to Your Destination.’

“Through the programme, we made the Birnin Kebbi-Argungu-Sokoto border and the Kalgo-Kamba road pothole-free, as well as Bunza-Dakongari-Kende, which is a link to federal roads, pothole-free.

“As a result of this programme, the rate of accidents has now reduced drastically, as some of the accidents recorded in the past were attributed to potholes,” he said.

Mr Usman added that the agency had three direct labour road projects in 2024 in the state from January to date.

“At Wali, around kilometre 54, there was a collection of water; that is, stagnation of water to the extent that after a heavy downpour, all motorists plying the road have to park until the water recedes because of its force waves and movement. We have brought a permanent solution to the area now.

“We also have Birnin Kebbi-Argungu Road at Alwasa Community; there was a place that was notorious and has been undergoing serious rehabilitation and repairs.

“But now we got approval to construct three-metre by three-metre box culverts, which has now reached 60 per cent completion,” he said.

Mr Usman added that the Sokoto State border road along the Jega-Koko-Yauri-Niger state border road was being rehabilitated, saying it had reached 80 per cent completion.

“We have Argungu-Bui Road around Lailaba; serious embankments and rehabilitation have now reached a 55 per cent completion stage.

” All the projects will be completed within three to four weeks,” he assured.

Mr Usman reiterated Mr Agbasi’s commitment to making all federal roads in the state free and motorable all year round, even beyond potholes, within the limited resources.

He commended Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi for his efforts in constructing befitting roads, installing solar streetlights, and creating an enabling environment for the agency to thrive.

(NAN)