Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has relaunched the completion of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road, a project that had been abandoned by the previous administration after only 30% was completed.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony near the Kabala Costain link bridge on Wednesday, Governor Sani announced that contractors have been fully mobilized to ensure the remaining 70% of the project is completed swiftly.
He emphasized the road’s importance, stating that it would enhance connectivity between Kaduna South and Kaduna North Local Government Areas.
Beyond infrastructure, he described it as a crucial economic link, facilitating commerce and creating opportunities.
Additionally, he noted that the road would serve as an alternative route for travellers from the Northeast and Northwest heading to the Federal Capital Territory, reducing congestion on existing roads.
Governor Sani reiterated his campaign promise to construct 50 kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 23 local government areas.
Highlighting his administration’s progress, he revealed that 78 road projects covering approximately 775 kilometres had been initiated across Kaduna in the last 20 months.
He noted that 21 of these projects were commissioned in December 2024, underscoring his commitment to infrastructure development.
He commended the people of Kaduna for maintaining peace, noting that the state has been free of ethno-religious crises for the past 22 months. According to him, peace is fundamental to sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency, Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, disclosed that outstanding debts for the completed section of the road amounted to N2.2 billion.
He confirmed that Governor Sani had already approved and released over 50% of the necessary funds to complete the project.
Ahmed explained that the previous administration abandoned the project in December 2022 due to severe geological challenges.
Soil tests revealed unstable conditions beyond the existing bridge, worsened by waste deposits from nearby water bodies. These issues posed significant risks to the road’s structural integrity.
To resolve the problem, engineers considered two options: extending the dual carriage bridge by 180 meters or stabilizing the soil by excavating six meters deep and replacing the unsuitable material with boulders.
The latter option required specialized equipment, making the project both complex and costly.
Ahmed praised Governor Sani’s decisive action in addressing these challenges. He assured residents that the contractors, Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, have been adequately equipped to complete the project despite the difficulties.
