In a bid to revive industries and boost economic activities, Kaduna State Government has commenced the rehabilitation and construction of several road projects across the state, which is expected to reopen closed businesses and ease transportation, especially in industrial corridors.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, stated this on Tuesday during routine inspections of road projects in Kakuri industrial layout, Barnawa, Pan Drive-Television Road, and the Raba-Rigasa train station dual carriageway.
According to Dr. Ahmed, most of the projects were inherited from the previous administration but stalled due to outstanding certificates, unpaid compensations, and relocation of water and electricity lines. He said, “We inherited this Kakuri–Nasarawa–Flour Mills road at 25 percent. Only drainage was partly done-no stone base, no binder, no asphalt.
Today, we are at 65 percent and binder course has been laid. This road passes through industrial layout where businesses had shut down. With work now progressing, industries are returning to life.”
The KADRA boss noted that Governor Uba Sani revived the projects and cleared huge financial liabilities to ensure work continues. He added that the governor had released almost a billion naira in compensations covering about 120 affected households in Raba-Rigasa road.
Dr. Ahmed described the Raba-Rigasa train station road as one of the most critical projects under construction, linking Arewa House through Mahuta to the train station. “This is a dual carriageway that will ease movement to the Rigasa station and beyond. His Excellency insisted it must be delivered before the next rainy season. These are not just asphalt and concrete – these are roads to progress. They will reopen closed businesses,” he added.
On the Kabala-Aliyu Makama-Barnawa dual carriageway, Dr. Ahmed said asphalt has been laid and bridge components have commenced.
Project Manager of CCECC Kaduna office, Henry Zhang, confirmed progress, saying, “We have achieved milestones on Raba Road. We completed three kilometres of stone base and binder course. With continued support, we will finish as soon as possible.”
A resident of Kabala, Ladidi Abubakar, expressed gratitude and described the road as a relief to the community. “Before, the road was in deplorable condition, but now it is very good. We appreciate our governor for the work he is doing,” she said.
The Kaduna Roads Agency has assured that works will continue across the state as weather conditions and funding permit.