The Kano State Government has noted with deep appreciation and satisfaction the level of enthusiasm and happiness being expressed by various segments of the public in the state over the planned commencement of the construction of two interchange at Dan Agundi and Tal’udu initiated by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The state Executive Council in its sitting on 29thNovember, 2023 granted approval for the construction of the two interchanges with the objective of decongesting the ever busy junctions, facilitating easy flow of traffic, boosting businessand commercialactivities and facilitating general economic growth of the state as a center of commerce.
The interchange located at Dan Agundi junction along BUK Road and Tal’udu junction along Aminu Kano Way by Abdullahi Muhammed Wase Roadall in the metropolis, will each consist of underpass and flyover bridge.
The construction of the Dan Agundi Interchange,was awarded to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited at the cost of N15.97billion to be jointly financed by the state and local governments.
While the state government assures the general public of timely execution of the two projects and initiation of more public oriented and developmental projectsin both rural and urban areasfor the improvement of general wellbeing of the people and development of the state in all sectors in fulfillment of its campaign promises, motorists flying the affected roads are advised to use the numerous alternative routes and bear the temporary and brief inconvenience the execution of the projects might have caused them.
However, the government has observed with grave concern the attempt by somedisgruntled individuals to discredit itswell-intentioned effort of
initiating, planning and executing these important projectsand their creditable objectives.The insinuation that the siting of the projects is inappropriateand the funding arrangementunfairis a clear indication that such individuals lack the knowledge of inner workings and operations of the government, particularly on matters regarding funding of big projects,as well as the strategic and collective needs of the people.
It is on record that all similar projects by previous administrations in the state were undertaken throughsimilarstate-local governments joint financing arrangements and agreed upon by thetwo parties. Hence, these particular projects, in all fairness, not be seen or misconstrued as different in any context.
On the appropriateness or otherwise ofsitingthe projects, it is common knowledge to all those who know the metropolitan Kano that the areas earmarked for the two projects are very busy roads with heavy traffic, hold ups and blockades particularly at rush hours, in addition to their being major link roads to industrial, commercialand educational centers in the state as well as entry and exit points for people from and travelling to many rural local governmentsthat are locatedwest and northwest of Kano city. It isvery obvious that all peopleliving in the city and at the rural areasaredirect beneficiaries of these projects.
The administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has made its resolve and commitment very clear since its inception to initiate, plan and implement appropriate programmes, policies and projects that will ensure even development in urban and rural areas. The actualization of this promise is paramount and will continue to be pursued.No amount of undue, misinformed and selfish criticism from any quarter willmake the administrationrenege on its promise and commitment to initiate and execute projects and policies that will improve the wellbeing of the people and bring about general development of the state.
Baba Halilu Dantiye
Honorable Commissioner of Information,
Kano State