The Kano State Government has noted with deep appreciation and satisfaction the level of enthusiasm and happiness being expressed by various segments of the public in the state over the planned commencement of the construction of two interchanges Dan Agundi and Tal’udu initiated by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The DEFENDER reports that this was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner of information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye, on Thursday.
It would be recalled that the state Executive Council in its sitting on 29th November, 2023 granted approval for the construction of the two interchanges to decongest the ever-busy junctions, facilitating easy flow of traffic, boosting business and commercial activities, and facilitating the general economic growth of the state as a center of commerce.
The interchange located at Dan Agundi junction along BUK Road and Tal’udu junction along Aminu Kano Way by Abdullahi Muhammed Wase Road all in the metropolis, will each consist of an underpass and flyover bridge, according to the Commissioner.
He explained that the construction of the Dan Agundi Interchange was awarded to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited at the cost of NN15.97 billion to be jointly financed by the state and local governments.
The state government assures the general public of the timely execution of the two projects and initiation of more public-oriented and developmental projects in both rural and urban areas for the improvement of the general well-being of the people and development of the state in all sectors in fulfillment of its campaign promises.
“Motorists flying the affected roads are advised to use the numerous alternative routes and bear the temporary and brief inconvenience the execution of the projects might have caused them.
“However, the government has observed with grave concern the attempt by some disgruntled individuals to discredit its well-intentioned effort of initiating, planning, and executing these important projects and their creditable objectives.
“The insinuation that the siting of the projects is inappropriate and the funding arrangement unfair is a clear indication that such individuals lack knowledge of the inner workings and operations of the government.
“It is on record that all similar projects by previous administrations in the state were undertaken through similar state-local governments’ joint financing arrangements and agreed upon by the two parties.
“Hence, these particular projects, in all fairness, are not seen or misconstrued as different in any context.
“On the appropriateness or otherwise of siting the projects, it is common knowledge to all those who know the metropolitan Kano that the areas earmarked for the two projects are very busy roads with heavy traffic, hold-ups, and blockades, particularly at rush hours, in addition to there being major link roads to industrial, commercial and educational centers in the state as well as entry and exit points for people from and traveling to many rural local governments that are located west and northwest of Kano city.
“People living in the city and the rural areas are direct beneficiaries of these projects.
“The administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has made its resolve and commitment very clear since its inception to initiate, plan, and implement appropriate programs policies, and projects that will ensure development in urban and rural areas.
‘The actualization of this promise is paramount and will continue to be pursued.
“No amount of undue, misinformed, and s, elfish criticism from any quarter will make the administration renege on its promise and commitment to initiate and execute projects and policies that will improve the well-being of the people and bring about the general development of the state,” the Commissioner said.
