The Gombe State Government, alongside its Bauchi counterpart have every reason to heave a sigh of relief as they accompanied the Minister of Works and Housing, Engr David Umahi on an inspection tour to some sections of the totally collapsed roads in the North-East.
Aso Reporters reports that following the several years of decay of the North-East federal expressway, the trip is with a view to addressing the deplorable road condition in the two North-East states.
Recall that the Gombe-Bauchi Expressway has over the years kept motorists at both ends pending the receding of water from the collapsed bridges and the repair of the roads.
Umahi told the delegation that his visit was at the instance of President Bola Tinubu to inspect the Gombe-Bauchi Road linking the Kano-Maiduguri road with a view to ensuring its inclusion in the 2025 budget for reconstruction.
“This visit is an emergency one. The President directed us to come and see which particular section of the road from Kano to Maiduguri at the section of Gombe-Bauchi is totally washed off because of unexpected flood,” he said.
The minister maintained that having visited the state, the team decided to use the opportunity to inspect the Gombe-Bauchi Road where three bridges are already being constructed by TRIACTA on behalf by the North-East Development Commission as approved by the president.
Umahi added, “The Director of TRIACTA has seen the need to raise the level of the road above flood level. We therefore commend Mr President for the assistance to the NEDC that has enabled them to embark on the project and we commend their management, the way we negotiated this partnership and we have agreed that it is good for them to first of all do the three bridges in line with Federal Executive Council’s approval where we will procure the project within the limits of available funds.”
He assured the representative of Gombe and Bauchi Governments that they will undertake necessary investigation and table it before the President because the roads are quite critical, adding, “we feel for you and we will do everything possible to bring it to funding mechanism by 2025 budget.”
Responding, the Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau hailed President Tinubu for his concern towards the residents and other road users over the deplorable road conditions of the Gombe State linking other parts of the North East.
He expressed delight that when finally constructed the hitherto hard times people have in using longer routes to get to their destinations will be highly mitigated.
Thus, he requested the minister to convey the appreciation of the government and the people of Gombe State for the show of concern to address transportation problems in the state.