The Federal Government has assured members of the House of Representatives of its resolve to ensure adequate funding of major federal roads including Gombe-Biu in Borno State and other economic viable roads across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Hassan Musa gave the assurance in Abuja, while addressing the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Mauktar Betara on a working visit to the Ministry’s headquarters.
The Permanent Secretary said the contractor handling the project will be given all necessary enablement for him to be able to deliver on the road.
“We have seen the dilapidated condition of that road and also the difficulties the people around the area are facing due to the condition of the road.
He maintained that the engagement provide ample opportunity to interact with Institution of the National Assembly to report back on what the ministry have been doing and also keep abreast of the funds that are being appropriated.
The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Muktar Betara underscored the need to provide alternative funding of Gombe-Biu federal road in Borno State.
Betara who expressed concerns over the state of the road despite appropriation of budgetary allocation to the project on yearly basis, however noted that the funds were insufficient.
He said: “what brought me this afternoon, I came in purposely because of our major road – Gombe-Biu road. the contract has been awarded 5 to 6 years ago, and the contractor is very slow on the work.
Betara, added that the minister has promised to have a meeting with the contractors by next week after the approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Ibrahim Shehu