Borno state governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Monday, flagged off the construction of Maiduguri’s 113-kilometre ring road project linking the east, west, and southern parts of the city.
The project is part of Governor Zulum’s urban renewal drive, which aims to solve city congestion problems, address housing deficits, job creation and spur economic growth.
Zulum noted that the project would be executed in phases, starting with Maiduguri-Kano Road to Maid-Monguno Road via Maid-Gubio Road, covering 16.5km.
“Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state is experiencing serious challenges as a result of the influx of internally displaced persons, which is putting huge pressure on the resources that we have inside Maiduguri to cater for the needs of the population, especially shelter and housing, among others. We are taking deliberate steps to decongest the city.
“Borno state government decided to start the first phase of the project, which is about 16.5km. Insha Allah, we shall not hesitate to expand this scope of work to cover the entire 113km on the ring road.”
The governor charged the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure quality work that can stand the test of time.
He said, “I want you to be very careful and ensure that this road, after completion, stands the test of time. Don’t look at the cost, and do not compromise standards. I want this road to stand fresh for the next 30 years.”
The Commissioner of Work and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, assured the governor on the timely completion of the project while observing all the engineering specifications.
Briefing the governor, the executive secretary of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency, Sadu Auno, said the road is a dual carriageway with 7.3 width thickness complying with federal government’s standards and considering all engineering specifications.
The executive secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Adam Bababe, said a compensation of over N1.6b was paid to 732 persons whose farmlands were affected because of the project.
