Bauchi Assembly urges Government to Construct 6Km Road and Complete Abandoned Darazo–Gabchiyari Project.
By Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad:
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to construct a six kilometre road linking six communities in Sade Constituency of Darazo Local Government Area and urgently resume work on the abandoned 21 kilometre Darazo–Gabchiyari road.
The calls followed separate motions presented before the House, highlighting the need to improve rural connectivity, ease transportation difficulties and promote economic activities in the affected communities.
In the first motion, the member representing Sade Constituency, Lawal Dauda, urged the government to include the construction of the road linking Tashar Ladi, Zankwada, Yunbunga, Garin Dayi, Dalagwabe and Bakarkashi in the 2027 budget estimates.
Lawal Dauda explained that, the communities depend largely on farming and livestock rearing, but poor road conditions have continued to hinder the transportation of agricultural produce to markets and limit access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
He noted that, constructing the road would reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets and neighbouring communities, create economic opportunities and enhance the living conditions of residents.
In a related development, the House has called on the Executive Arm of Government to urgently resume and complete the 21-kilometre Darazo–Gabchiyari road, which was commissioned for construction in July 2023.
The motion raised concerns that little or no substantial work had been carried out since the project commenced, leaving the road delayed despite its importance to Darazo and surrounding agrarian communities.
The House observed that the road serves as a major link between Darazo town and Gabchiyari, providing access to markets, healthcare facilities and schools.
It noted that the continued delayed of the project had subjected residents to hardship, particularly during the rainy season, resulting in difficulties transporting farm produce and accessing medical services.
The lawmakers therefore urged Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to direct the Ministry of Works and Transport and the contractor handling the project to return to the site and ensure its completion.
The House also called for the project to be treated as a priority, noting that it was the first road project commissioned in Darazo Constituency during the governor’s second tenure and the only road project cited in the constituency since the administration began in 2019.
Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Works and Transport to liaise with the ministry and report back within four weeks on the project’s status, challenges and completion timeline.
Meanwhile, the House received a bill transmitted by Governor Bala Mohammed seeking the establishment of an Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The bill was read by the Majority Leader, Auwal Hassan.
