The Federal Government has commenced the rehabilitation of key roads in Bauchi State, with a focus on a 32-kilometer stretch, to ensure safer travel during the upcoming rainy season.
The initiative, led by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is part of the 2024 budget to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
In an interview with newsmen, FERMA’s Federal Road Maintenance Engineer for Bauchi, Nanpan Joroh, revealed that three contractors were currently working on various projects across the state.
“The main project is the Bauchi-Jos road, which is nearing completion with significant improvements to its 20-kilometer stretch,” Joroh explained. “The road is now pothole-free, and we’ve added overlays to ensure smoother travel.”
Further projects include a five-kilometer stretch on the Bauchi-Gombe road, which is undergoing patching to address potholes and long stretches of damaged sections.
The contractor is working diligently to make it more motorable, with the project currently at 50% completion.
Joroh also highlighted ongoing work on the Kari-Yana road near the Jigawa border, where the contractor is addressing severe washouts and reinforcing the road with retaining walls and concrete protection to prevent future erosion.
“Presently, the contractors are working at a commendable pace, and we are optimistic that these projects will be completed within the next month,” Joroh added.
He also urged FERMA to consider proposals for locations affected by washouts from the previous rainy season to avoid further damage ahead of the 2025 rainy season.