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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Commuters and residents along the Malando–Garin Baka–Ngaski–Wara–Auna axis in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State have commended President Bola Tinubu for the progress recorded on the reconstruction of the road.
They described the project as a true dividend of democracy that has significantly improved transportation and economic activities in the area.
The residents, who spoke to newsmen on the progress recorded on the project, explained that the work had continued without interruption since inception, including during the rainy season when emergency washouts occurred.
According to Malam Salisu Abdullahi, a commercial driver plying the Ngaski–Auna route, the improved road has reduced travel time by nearly 50 per cent.
“Previously, we spent several hours navigating bad portions, especially during the rainy season. Vehicles frequently broke down and transport fares increased. Now, movement is faster and safer. Our daily income has improved because we can make more trips,” he said.
Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, a trader from Wara, said the road had boosted commercial activities and eased the transportation of farm produce to markets.
“This project has reduced our losses and created more business opportunities for our people,” she said.
A former Commissioner for Lands and Housing in Kebbi State, Alhaji Mahmuda Mohammed-Wara, commended the Tinubu-led administration for executing the project.
“I recall when Bagudu visited and assured us during the visit that the project would not experience funding challenges. He has kept his word,” Mohammed-Wara said.
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Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullahi Buhari-Wara, another former Chairman of Ngaski LGA, commended Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, for fostering synergy between the state and federal government.
He said the collaboration had attracted key infrastructure projects to Kebbi State.
“Many residents had initially expressed doubts about its completion. However, during his visit to the state last year, the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, assured stakeholders of strict supervision and zero tolerance for substandard performance, and we have seen its effectiveness now,” he said.
Wara described the road as one of the most visible symbols of democratic dividends in the state, saying it had enhanced connectivity, stimulated economic growth and improved the overall quality of life in the area.
The road project, awarded by the Federal Government in late 2024, commenced after years of unsuccessful attempts and abandoned contracts along the axis, largely due to its difficult terrain.
Our correspondent, who visited the site, observed substantial progress on the project being executed by Epsilon Sky Global Engineering Ltd.
Mr Marcel Hattab, Managing Director of the company, said construction, which commenced at Km 76+568 in Auna, had reached Km 56+000, with over 20 kilometres of binder course completed.
He said the project featured Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) shoulders of 2.75 metres width on both sides.
Hattab added that multiple box culverts and reinforced concrete drainages had been constructed at various locations to mitigate flooding and erosion challenges.
