Insecurity Delaying Commencement of ₦18.9bn Sabuwa–Tashar Bawa Road – Radda
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda says persistent security challenges in Sabuwa Local Government Area is delaying the execution of the 27-kilometre Tashar Bawa-Rafin Iwa-Sabuwa road project awarded at the cost of ₦18.9 billion.
The road connects 13 communities in the southern part of Katsina State.
The governor said this when he hosted a high-powered delegation comprising elders, district heads, business leaders, political figures, clerics, youth representatives, and other stakeholders from Sabuwa Local Government, on Thursday in Katsina.
According to him, the government is ready to release ₦7.5 billion, representing 40 percent mobilisation for the project to the contractor, but has held back because of the high level of insecurity in the area.
“Insecurity in the area has slowed down the commencement of work,” the governor said, but expressed optimism that with the ongoing peace accord initiative in the area, the long-awaited road project would soon take off.
Radda said the dialogue with bandits has started yielding positive results in some parts of the state, creating an atmosphere of hope and cooperation.
He assured that once stability is fully restored, the contractor will mobilize to site.
According to him, in spite of the security challenges, he has fulfilled about 90 percent of his campaign promises to the people of the state.
He assured the Sabuwa delegation that his government remains committed to improving the living conditions of citizens across the state, urging them to remain united and support the administration’s drive to bring rapid development to their communities.
Ealier, Engineer Tasiu Abubakar, who was part of the delegation, thanked the governor for awarding contracts for key projects in the area, including the 27-kilometre road.
He however urged the state government to get the Federal Government to complete the Agricultural Park Project started during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He said it was one of only two approved nationwide — one in Katsina and the other in Ondo State.
He said that resuscitating the project would ansform Sabuwa into an agricultural hub, thereby creating massive employment opportunities and enhancing food security.
Also, Hon. Danjuma Ibrahim, the member representing Sabuwa Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, said bandits terrorising the area have indicated readiness to enter into a peace accord with residents.
According to him, the development is a major step toward restoring peace and security in the area.
