As We Celebrate the Koko-Zuru Road, A Look At Kaura’s 20 Key Projects
By: Yakubu Ahmed BK
The Koko-Zuru road, a notable subject of neglect in Kebbi State, has finally received the official nod for completion within an impressive timeline of just a few months. This project, whose construction was flagged off yesterday by Governor Nasir Idris has sustained public discourse due to its critical length, strategic importance, potential economic benefits, and the political dynamics involved.
What this means to the people of the Zuru Emirate in particular and Kebbi state in general is that Kebbi is now on the threshold of achieving its goals of sustainable development anchored on having the right leadership to spearhead this revolution.
There is no doubt that under the dynamic and progressive leadership of Dr. Nasir Idris, Kebbi has began a journey to keeping a date with history, a history of transformation and economic growth.
In less than two years, this administration has successfully carried out significant infrastructural projects, drastically altering the region’s landscape and clearly defining the government’s objectives.
With the Koko-Zuru road underway and primed to be completed in months, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the broader infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the APC government in Kebbi State.
In this article, I will highlight 20 crucial infrastructure projects, detailing their locations, costs, and current statuses. This will help illustrate the extensive efforts being made by a government determined to revitalize the state, restore public confidence, and set the course for recovery and long-term development.
1. Dualization of Birnin Kebbi-Ambursa Road. Completed at a cost of N5.6 billion.
2. Construction/Rehabilitation of Birnin Kebbi City Centre Roads. Finished for N12.9 billion.
3. Ultra Modern Secretariat Complex, Phase I. Completed at N5.2 billion.
4. Ultra Modern Secretariat Complex, Phase II. Completed and ready for use at an additional N5.2 billion.
5. Rehabilitation of Yauri Township Roads. Completed for N5.1 billion.
6. Kebbi State Ultra Modern Motor Park, Birnin Kebbi. 99% complete at a cost of N2.9 billion.
7. Fuel Dump at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA). Delivered and established at N300,673,086.59.
8. Main Gate Approach Wall Fence, Drainage and Culverts at Kebbi State Government House. Completed at a cost of N260,098,726.80.
9. Indoor Badminton Complex at CSDP, Birnin Kebbi. Delivered at a cost of N48,973,119.25.
10. Re-establishment of flight routes at SABIA by airlines. Operations have resumed, easing travel burdens.
11. Renovation and Expansion of Kebbi State Pilgrims Agency. Completed with a budget of N708,821,850.18.
12. Construction of Road at TCN Office Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi. 100% completed at a cost of N268,734,282.54.
13. Construction of Road Opposite Buhari Bala Model Primary School, Birnin Kebbi. Completed for N457,892,640.03.
14. DFFRI Roundabout-Bulasa Welcome Gate Dual Carriageway. Completed with additional works costing N2,998,695,472.99.
15. Dualization of Argungu Old Bye-Pass Road. Work in progress with a total budget of N6.8 billion.
16. Emergency Repairs and Erosion Control at Gayi and Diggi Town. Nearing completion at a cost of N381,781,740.88.
17. Repairs of Bridge Abutment along Bunza-Dakingari – Currently ongoing.
18. Construction of a 6-cell Box Culvert at Mayalo Town. Completed for N442,737,171.84.
19. Construction of Box Culvert and Retaining Wall along BKebbi-Makera. Work In progress at a cost of N395,154,399.06.
20. Various Roads and Infrastructure Enhancements, numerous projects underway to boost accessibility and development across the state.
These projects reflect the emergence of a new era in Kebbi’s governance and infrastructure development. Looking forward, it is exciting to envision the transformation that the next two years and beyond will bring for the state.
*Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture Kebbi State.