The long-awaited rehabilitation of the 39-kilometer Shargalle-Dutsi-Ingawa Road in Katsina State has commenced, with Governor Dikko Radda urging residents to collaborate in ensuring the project’s success.
While flagging off the reconstruction on Friday at Shargalle town in Dutsi Local Government Area, Governor Radda revealed that 40% of the project cost had already been paid to the contractor. He emphasized the road’s importance, noting its dilapidated state had severely hampered the movement of people, goods, and services, adversely affecting trade, agriculture, and socioeconomic activities in the region.
A Key Agenda for Progress
Governor Radda highlighted the project as part of his administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, aimed at improving infrastructure statewide.
“Good roads not only facilitate transportation but also foster economic growth by attracting investments, creating jobs, and improving market access,” he said.
The governor appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents to actively support the initiative by monitoring the contractor’s adherence to quality standards.
“This road belongs to all of us. Let’s work together to hold the contractor accountable and ensure that the quality standards are met,” he added.
Decades of Neglect Addressed
The Shargalle-Dutsi-Ingawa Road, originally constructed during the administration of the late Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa, had been neglected for over 40 years. Its last rehabilitation was carried out in 2004 under the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s administration.
The current administration has committed to completing the project within 14 months, with Governor Radda pledging his government’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Katsina residents through strategic infrastructure projects.
The Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, Sani Magaji, described the road as a vital connector for communities and economic activities within and beyond Katsina State.
“Rehabilitation of this road is essential not only for transportation and accessibility but also for fostering economic growth and promoting social integration,” Magaji said.
The project, he assured, would meet high standards of engineering and construction, ensuring long-term benefits for the state.
The rehabilitation marks a significant step toward addressing infrastructure challenges and stimulating economic growth across Katsina State.
