The Kano State government has launched new efforts to complete the long-abandoned 5-kilometer rural road projects commissioned across the 44 local governments during the Kwankwaso administration nearly nine years ago.
Critics of Kwankwaso’s administration frequently highlight the failed road projects as a significant shortfall and have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the failure of these multi-million naira capital projects.
On Wednesday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced that the state government had conducted a reconciliation meeting with the contractors responsible for the projects.
During the meeting, Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf praised the contractors for their prompt response to his invitation and assured them of his commitment to continuing Dr. Kwankwaso’s vision for road infrastructure.
Key agreements from the meeting included the immediate mobilization of the contractors back to the sites within the next week to complete the projects. The state government also resolved to have the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning address outstanding compensation issues.
“It was resolved that contractors would meet with their respective banks to access a 30 percent advance payment released for the contracts but previously unaccessed,” the statement noted.
“Given the recorded escalation in the prices of construction materials, the government has agreed to review the cost of the remaining works based on moderately upward revised rates. Additionally, the government will implement a strategic payment plan to ensure monthly payments to contractors without stagnation. Contractors who accept the new offer are expected to mobilize to their respective sites within one week, or they will forfeit the opportunity,” the statement added.
