FG spends N47 billion to complete Jakara/wuju-wuju project in Kano
Kola Oyelere Kano
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The Federal Government has committed N47 billion for the completion of the wuju-wuju/Jakara road and sewage project in Kano metropolis, a move expected to boost economic activities across four metropolitan local government areas of the state.
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, disclosed this during the flag-off of the project in Kano. He said the Federal Government took over the project at the request of the Kano State Government through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
According to Ata,” the project cuts across Gwale, Kano Municipal, Dala and Fagge local government areas and would significantly improve the economic lives of residents when completed.”
He explained that while the Kano State Government had earlier completed 850 metres of the project, the Federal Government would now construct the remaining 6.7 kilometres, singlehandedly and without partnering the state government.
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The minister noted that the Kano State Government is responsible for compensating owners of properties affected by the project, adding that compensation for about two kilometres has already been paid. He said the Controller of Housing at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would continue to supervise the project to ensure compliance with specifications until completion.
Ata also pledged to personally monitor the project to ensure it is delivered within the agreed standards and timeframe. He commended the administration of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for initiating the project in 2013 and appropriating N5 billion for it. He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the N47 billion funding.
“President Tinubu loves Kano State and this project is another major intervention by his administration. Given that it cuts across four metropolitan local government areas, its economic impact will be very huge,” Ata said.
Speaking to journalists, the project
manager TEC company, Mr.Lee, the contracting firm handling the project, described the N47 billion contract as a major responsibility and assured that the company would not betray the confidence reposed in it. He promised that the project would be executed strictly in line with the agreement and solicited the cooperation of residents to enable its completion within 24 months.
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Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Housing and Urban Development in Kano State, Alhaji Danbaba Yahyah Haruna, said the minister flagged off the construction of the 6.2-kilometre Wuju-Wuju/Jakara road. He disclosed that compensation for about 2 kilometres has already been paid by the state government, adding that construction would progress steadily as compensation payments continue.
Haruna urged the Kano State Government to sustain the payment of compensation as agreed to avoid delays, assuring that both the ministry and the contractor would strictly adhere to design specifications and structural standards to ensure successful completion of the project.