By Olukayode Idowu
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday flagged off the construction of Maiduguri’s 113-kilometre ring road project linking the east, west, and southern parts of the city.
The project is part of Governor Zulum’s urban renewal drive, which aims to solve city congestion problems, address housing deficits, job creation and spur economic growth.
Zulum noted that the project would be executed in phases, starting with Maiduguri-Kano Rd. to Maid-Monguno Rd. via Maid-Gubio Rd., covering 16.5km.
“Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is experiencing serious challenges as a result of the influx of internally displaced persons, which is putting huge pressure on the resources that we have inside Maiduguri to cater to the needs of the population, especially shelter and housing, among others. We are taking deliberate steps to decongest the city,” Zulum said.
He added, “Borno State Government decided to start the first phase of the project, which is about 16.5km. In sha Allah, we shall not hesitate to expand this scope of work to cover the entire 113km on the ring road.”
The Governor also charge the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure quality work that can stand the test of time. He said, “I want you to be very careful and ensure that this road, after completion, stands the test of time. Don’t look at the cost, and do not compromise standards. I want this road to stand fresh for the next 30 years.”
The Commissioner of Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, has assured the Governor of the timely completion of the project while observing all the engineering specifications strictly.
Briefing the Governor, the Executive Secretary of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency, Engr Sadu Auno, said the road is a dual carriageway with 7.3 width thickness complying with federal government standards considering all engineering specifications.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engr Adam Bababe, said a compensation of over N1.6b was paid to 732 persons whose farmlands were affected due to the project.
He also noted that a residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and institutional layout will be established along the ring road in a land mass of about 2,000 hectares.