By Gbenga Akingbule
In its urban renewal drive, the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, flagged off the construction of the Post Office Flyover at the cost of N16 billion.
Gatekeepers News reports that Zulum also commenced the construction of the dualization of N4 billion 7.1 kilometres Terminus Junction to Molai express road with a 6-span bridge.
These projects according to Prof Zulum who spoke at separate locations are aimed at decongesting traffic and further expanding Maiduguri, the state capital for its rapidly growing population.
The post office Flyover is the fourth to be constructed by the Zulum-led administration since its inception in 2019 and has a 10-month completion timeline while the 7.1km road project is expected to be completed in months, the governor said.
“Ten months completion date for the post office Flyove must be kept by the contractors, the total contract sum is 16bn and we have paid 50% of this amount. So, the contractor has no excuse for delaying the project. We have also kept aside the remaining 8bn to be paid when due,” Zulum said.
“In continuation of our urban renewal programme, this morning we are here to flag off the construction of a 7.1 km dual carriageway from Borno express terminal to Molai and also the construction of an additional bridge downstream of the road.
“What we are doing is not only for beautification but also to accommodate the increasing population growth in Maiduguri. We must expand the city,” Zulum said.
The projects, awarded to Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC) are expected to create hundreds of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, further contributing to the state’s economic recovery and resilience efforts.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has announced 5 key projects, including a new market, an orthopaedic hospital, another General Hospital, an international hotel, and a western bypass.
The Governor, who announced the 5 projects and many other developmental services on Tuesday in Maiduguri, assures that they will be completed before the expiration of his tenure.
“We want to construct a befitting additional market, an orthopaedic hospital, another General Hospital, an international hotel, and a western bypass. These are some of the major projects I want to execute before my tenure expires. Most importantly, completing all the ongoing projects,” Zulum stated.
Additionally, Governor Zulum expressed concern over the acute water shortage faced in Maiduguri Metropolis and surrounding communities which he said was caused by the destruction spurred by the flood disaster of last September (2024).
The Governor, however, appealed to residents for calm while assuring them that the state government is committed to addressing the problem. He said, “Maiduguri water supply network was damaged by last year’s flood, and the city is faced with acute water shortage. We are working very hard to complete the repair work on time.
He also stated, “I want to appeal to the people of the metropolis. The government is very aware of the situation and we are doing everything possible to address it.”
