How we spent N6.4b on Katsina flyover, by Masari

OUTGOING Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, yesterday, inaugurated an intersectional flyover in the state capital, constructed at a cost of N6.4 billion.

Masari, who would be handing over to his successor on May 29, said initial cost of the project was N4.33 billion.

Speaking at the Government Reservation Area ( GRA) roundabout, where the project is sited, the governor said additional work, as well as payment of compensation to people whose properties were affected, led to the upward review.

He said the flyover is one of three major road projects awarded, last year, in the state capital. The other two being the underpass at Kofar Kaura and the Kofar Kwaya roundabout, constructed at N2.8 billion and N2.9 billion, respectively.

He noted that the three projects would decongest vehicular traffic in the state capital.

According to him, “The state capital has been witnessing influx of people, leading to traffic congestion, and making it difficult for commuters to reach their destination on time. It is in an effort to reduce these congestions that the state government gave approval for construction of three interchanges in the state capital.”

He said his administration, in the last eight years, awarded 22 major road construction projects, totalling 590 kilometres, at a cost of N44.34 billion, and that all of them have been completed and are being put to use. He added that 17 other roads were rehabilitated under his watch “to address their deplorable condition and reduce traffic accidents.”

Masari said his administration also upgraded and rehabilitated several roads that were 454 kilometres long at a cost of N20.56 billion.

He said both the state government and 34 councils collectively constructed roads that were 95.29 kilometres long, adding that 83.3 kilometres of these have been completed and put to use.