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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Monday commissioned 18 newly completed township roads constructed across Bauchi metropolis by the Bauchi State Government.
The road projects, which span a combined 49.7 kilometres, were executed at an estimated cost of ₦13.7 billion as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to improve transportation, connectivity, security and access to essential services in the state capital.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Jonathan commended Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as practical and impactful governance, noting that the projects demonstrated the importance of investing in infrastructure that directly affects the lives of citizens.
The former president described the governor as a former strong member of his administration and praised his leadership in expanding infrastructure across Bauchi State.
He said roads were essential to economic development because they connect communities, facilitate commerce and create opportunities for residents.
Jonathan urged the people of Bauchi State to continue supporting the government and protecting public infrastructure, stressing that the success of development projects depended partly on citizens’ willingness to preserve them.
According to him, the effectiveness of governance should be measured by the positive changes experienced by citizens rather than promises made by political leaders.
Governor Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, said the projects were evidence of his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and the provision of infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth and improving living conditions.
The governor disclosed that his administration had set a target of constructing at least 5,000 kilometres of roads across Bauchi State and had completed about 3,000 kilometres since assuming office in 2019.
He explained that the road programme was designed not only to provide transportation infrastructure but also to open up economic opportunities, improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.
Bala Mohammed said the completed township roads were built to engineering standards and equipped with features including durable pavements, drainage systems, traffic signs, road markings, speed-calming measures and solar-powered streetlights on selected routes.
He appealed to residents to protect the infrastructure and refrain from activities that could damage the newly completed roads.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Prof. Titus Uba Ketkukah, said the commissioning underscored the commitment of the state government to infrastructure development.
He assured residents that the ministry would continue to ensure that road projects across the state were properly executed, delivered and certified in accordance with approved engineering standards and specifications.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, expressed appreciation to former President Jonathan for identifying with Bauchi State.
The Emir commended Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as significant transformation of the state since his assumption of office in 2019.
He assured the governor of the continued support of the people and traditional institution towards the administration’s efforts to further develop Bauchi State.
