Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure development by flagging off the completion of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road, a vital project abandoned by the previous administration after reaching only 30% completion.
Prioritizing Infrastructure for Economic Growth
Performing the flag-off ceremony near the Kabala Costain link bridge on Wednesday, Governor Sani emphasized that his administration has fully mobilized the contractor to ensure the remaining 70% of the road project is completed within a record timeframe.
Describing the road as a critical link connecting Kaduna South to Kaduna North Local Government Areas, the Governor highlighted its significance beyond infrastructure:
“This project is not just about roads; it is a lifeline, a channel for commerce, and a pathway to opportunity.”
The road will also serve as an alternative route for long-distance travelers, particularly in cases of traffic congestion, enhancing connectivity between the Northeastern and Northwestern regions of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Fulfilling Campaign Promises on Road Development
Governor Sani recalled his pledge during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign tour to construct 50 kilometers of road in each of Kaduna’s 23 local government areas. He provided updates on his administration’s progress:
“In the past 20 months, we have initiated over 78 road projects across Kaduna State, covering approximately 775 kilometers. These projects are not just numbers; they represent the dreams and aspirations of our people.
On December 24, 2024, we commissioned 21 of these projects. We are steadily fulfilling our promises to Kaduna residents, transforming both rural and urban communities. Infrastructure is the backbone of development, and we will continue prioritizing projects that uplift citizens and improve their quality of life.”
Peace as a Foundation for Development
The Governor commended the people of Kaduna for maintaining peace, noting that the state has not witnessed any ethno-religious crises in the past 22 months. He stressed the interdependence of peace and development, stating that meaningful growth can only occur in a stable environment.
Challenges and Solutions in Road Construction
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency, Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, disclosed that the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Dual Link Road had outstanding debts totaling N2.2 billion. However, Governor Sani has already approved and disbursed more than 50% of the required funds to expedite completion.
Ahmed further revealed that geological challenges were a major reason for the project’s abandonment in December 2022.
“Soil investigations found extremely poor conditions beyond the existing bridge, compounded by waste deposits from nearby streams. These issues posed serious risks to the road’s structural integrity.”
To address this, two engineering solutions were considered: extending the dual carriage bridge by 180 meters or stabilizing the soil by excavating six meters deep—equivalent to a two-story building. The latter option, requiring specialized machinery and imported boulders, was chosen despite its complexity.
Ahmed commended Governor Sani’s proactive leadership in overcoming these obstacles, ensuring that CCECC Nigeria Limited, the project contractor, has the necessary resources to complete the work efficiently.
Looking Ahead
The resumption of the Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road signals a new era of infrastructure revitalization in Kaduna State. With ongoing projects spanning urban and rural areas, Governor Uba Sani remains committed to ensuring seamless road networks that enhance commerce, mobility, and economic development.
