Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has flagged off the construction of 113 Maiduguri Ring road to open up the city, enhance security, economic viability and address housing deficit within the state capital.
Flagging off the first phase of the road construction along Maiduguri-Kano road, on Monday, Zulum also handed over N1 billion cheque to farmers affected by the project.
According to the project valuation, N1.6 billon has been earmarked for the first phase of the compensation, out of which, the governor released N1 billion to the farmers.
Zulum noted that, with relative peace being enjoyed in Maiduguri, influx of people from different parts of the state and the country is impacting pressure on the resources, hence the need to open up the city to cater to the needs of the population.
“So, there is need for us to decongest the city with a view to achieving this very important objective, the government of Borno State decided to now construct this ring road. This is the first phase of this ring road, 16.5 kilometers, and In sha Allah, as our economic situation improves, we would expand the scope of the work to cover the entire 113km of the ring road. to
“On this note, I declared the commencement of the 16.54km road open, today, 16th of May, 2024,” he said.
The governor further directed the Executive Secretary of BOGIS to ensure good layouts and avoid the past mistakes that caused congestions in the city centre.
“Since the compensation is paid, BOGIS should ensure that plots are properly demarcated with drainages and other side plans that include commercials and artisans areas with mosques, and it must be to the best standard” he said.
He also warned that plots shall only be allocated to people that are ready to build, adding that he would invite investors to build houses while the state government would take a fair share in that investment.
Briefing the governor at site, the Executive Secretary of Borno Geographic Information System, (BOGIS) Engr Adam Bababe, said the project would improve the living conditions of populace.
He said the first phase is starting from the Kano road to Tungushe axis, covering about 3.6 km and extending to Chabbal 12.9km.
