Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has inaugurated the construction of 115 kilometers of roads across the three senatorial zones of the state under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) designed to boost agricultural marketing and improve the livelihoods of the residents.
Speaking at the occasion conducted separately in the benefiting communities, the governor said the momentous event which marks a significant stride towards complementing the efforts of his administration on rural development, and highlighted the strategic importance of the project, which aligns with the state’s broader vision of improving rural access and agricultural marketing.
According to him, the RAAMP project, is to be implemented over five years, with the aim of providing sustainable access roads in rural areas, thereby facilitating agricultural activities and enhancing economic opportunities for the rural populace. He emphasized the state’s commitment to the project, noting that a total sum of N2.4 billion had been provided as counterpart funding.
The governor underscoring the extensive groundwork that had been laid for this initiative, mentioned the 115km roads awarded as 30.33km Charachara-Ragwam-Magwanshi-Lafiya Road, 25.80km Mainamaji-Badara-Kuka-Pali Road, 18.88km Akuyam-Gwaram-Hardawa Road, 15.00km Durum-Nahuta Road, and the 25.00km Garin Gami-Gadai-Madufa Road totaling over N23 billion.
“We have demonstrated our strong political will on RAAMP project and we have supported the institutional and legislative reforms needed by the project. In our first tenure, we accomplished the project preparation in accordance with the project development objective agreed with the Federal Government of Nigeria, The World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the 19 participating states.
The contracts, Governor Bala noted, “have been duly procured by the World Bank in accordance with international best practices with highlighting the broader impact of these projects and expressed his satisfaction that this initiative represents an unprecedented level of attention to rural infrastructure in Bauchi State. “It is gratifying to note that this is the first time in the history of Bauchi State that rural areas are receiving such unprecedented attention in road construction, emphasizing the transformative potential of these roads for the state’s rural economy.
“The inauguration of these roads is more than just a step forward in infrastructure development; it is a promise kept, a vision realized, and a future secured for the rural communities of Bauchi State. With construction now underway, the state is set to witness a transformation that will enhance connectivity, boost agricultural productivity, and ultimately, improve the quality of life for its rural populace.”
The Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Farouk Mustapha, echoed the governor’s sentiments, framing the event as a fulfilment of the administration’s campaign promises. “This event is a fulfilment of campaign promises to provide access roads to the rural populace,” Mustapha stated.
He recalled the flag-off of the Liman-Katagum-Luda-Leka pilot road scheme in September 2023, where Governor Mohammed had promised to improve rural access roads. “Today, true to the character of our amiable governor, we are witnessing the fulfilment of the promise in the flag-off of five rural roads across the state,” he added, commending the governor’s dedication to rural development.
In a keynote address at the flag off of the 115km road, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga praised the Bauchi governor’s efforts, noting the significance of these projects in improving the living standards of rural communities.
“Let me commend the governor for his efforts toward rural transformation in Bauchi state by providing the needed rural transport infrastructure which in turn improves the living standards of our rural communities, reduces poverty, provides access to social amenities, and provides ease of transportation of agricultural produce,” Engr. Bodinga stated.
He further revealed that an additional 155 kilometres of rural roads are currently being prepared, bringing the total to nearly 300 kilometres by the end of 2024. As RAAMP prepares to roll out phase II of the project, Engr. Bodinga made a poignant request for continued support.
“As we prepare to roll out phase II before the end of 2024, I kindly request additional counterpart funds from His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. To whom much is given, much is equally expected.”