By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In a bid to ease the pressure on infrastructural facilities within Maiduguri metropolis, occasioned by the influx of internally displaced persons IDP, the Borno State Government on Monday May 6, 2024 flagged off the construction of the 113- kilometer Maiduguri ring road. The project is expected to link the East, West and Southern parts of the State Capital.
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, who performed the official ceremony revealed that the project which is also to be executed in phases, is his administration’s direct response to the twin problems of congestion and infrastructural deficits currently facing the State capital as a result of IDPs fleeing insurgency prone areas of the State.
He, also, expressed the optimism that the audacious project will be able to create job opportunities for the , and accelerate economic growth and development of the state.
“Maiduguri the capital of Borno state is experiencing serious challenges as a result of the influx of many people, particularly the Internally displaced persons ,which is putting huge pressure on the infrastructures we have in the city to cater for the needs of the populace,especially housing among others .
“We are taking deliberate steps to decongest the city .Borno state Government has decided to start the first phase of the project ,which is about 16.5 km. Insha Allah( by the Grace of God) ,we shall not hesitate to expand this work to cover the 113 km on the ring road ” the Governor stated.
Prof Zulum emphasised the need for the State Ministry of Works to closely monitor the project with a view to ensuring the delivery of quality and durable project.
“I want you to be very careful,and ensure that this road, after completion, will stand the test of time. Don’t look at the cost. And don’t compromise standards . I want this road to still pass integrity test in the next 30 years” the Governor charged ministry officials.
Engr Mustapha Gubio, the State Commissioner for Works ,while assuring timely and quality delivery of project, said the road is a dual carriage way with about 7.3 width thickness ,and in complete compliance with Federal Government standards specifications.
He noted that about N1.6 billion has been paid as compensations to about 732 persons whose farmlands and other properties were affected by the road construction,adding that part of the construction efforts include building of residential ,commercial, industrial and recreational facilities within the about 2000 hectares of land along the ring road.
