The Kano State Commissioner of Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad, has said that the state government has spent billion of Naira on ongoing construction projects, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to completing major infrastructural developments across the state.
This was just as he disclosed that
at the current pace, we are pushing to accelerate construction, and there are plans to introduce night shifts to make up for lost time. By the end of this year, the bridge should be ready for public use,” he assured.
Making this known during a media briefing, Alhaji Ahmad highlighted various projects, including road construction, bridge development, office renovations, and streetlight installations, emphasizing the government’s determination to improve public infrastructure for residents.
He therefore acknowledged the significant work done on key infrastructure projects, particularly road construction and flyovers.
According to him,” The Dan Agundi flyover bridge has made substantial progress, despite delays caused by the importation of essential construction materials from China. Fortunately, these materials have now arrived in Nigeria and are already in Kano, allowing for the next phase of work,” he stated.
He added that most of the pier views on the bridge are complete, and the next step is launching the beams, followed by deck casting, which will mark the bridge’s completion.
Alhaji Ahmad then emphasised that ” A the current pace, we are pushing to accelerate construction, and there are plans to introduce night shifts to make up for lost time. By the end of this year, the bridge should be ready for public use,” he assured.
He also addressed the ongoing construction at Tal’udu, stating that any previous challenges have been resolved and that work will commence soon, with the project expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
Alhaji. Ahmad disclosed that the state government has launched an ambitious Urban Renewal Project, which includes six major roads currently under rehabilitation.
He further disclosed that” These projects have already commenced, with contractors actively working on Murtala Muhammad Way, Club Road, and Muhammadu Buhari Way. Asphalt overlay has begun, and drainage works are also in progress,” he explained.
Other roads under the urban renewal project, including those near the Government House, have seen significant progress, with milling and excavation of drainage systems nearly completed.
“These projects have a strict completion timeline of three months, and we are confident that the first batch of six roads will be delivered within this timeframe. Additionally, we have identified seven more roads for rehabilitation, which will soon be rolled out,” Ahmad added.
Beyond the urban renewal initiative, the Commissioner revealed that several relief roads across Kano are near completion, with many set to be opened for use within two to three months.
The Commissioner also spoke on the 5-kilometer road projects across local government areas, confirming the completion of roads in Albasu, Gezawa, Tofa, Dawakin Tofa, and Dambatta, all of which have been equipped with solar-powered streetlights.
“Currently, additional six local governments including Shanono, Ghari, and Kabo are receiving similar projects, which are near completion. These are part of the state’s broader initiative to improve road networks across the metropolitan and rural areas,” he said.
Engr. Ahmad further noted that the metropolitan solar streetlight project has completed Phase One and Phase Two, with preparations underway for Phase Three to enhance lighting on more roads in Kano city.
Addressing questions about road expansions, the Commissioner clarified that some long-pending projects, initially awarded over 12 years ago, have been revalidated by the present administration for completion.
“We have also received information that the Federal Government has awarded some of these roads, which were initially under the state’s control. We are currently working to reconcile these developments to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient use of resources,” he said.
He assured that the funds saved from federal interventions would be redirected to other critical infrastructure projects across the state.
Engr. Ahmad concluded by stating that preparations are underway to roll out new infrastructure projects under the 2025 budget, with several projects already in the tendering process.
“By the end of this year, most of the earmarked projects will be fully underway, with contractors mobilized to sites to ensure timely completion,” he assured.
With these ongoing efforts, the Kano State Government aims to enhance transportation, public services, and urban development, significantly improving the quality of life for residents.