From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in Kebbi, has said that it will complete the three ongoing direct labour road projects within three weeks in the state.

The Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in-charge of FERMA in the state, Engr Rilwanu Usman, made this known while briefing newsmen.

Usman explained that the renewed hope in FERMA under the leadership of Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, believed in carrying out its mandate to the fullest.

According to him, “you can see it for yourself that we addressed the problem of water pounding along the same Gotomo-Argungu- Sokoto road by constructing four cells box culverts at Wali in December, 2023.

“We also constructed reinforced concrete line drain and repaired a completely failed section,and made Birnin-Kebbi to Sokoto border pothole free through a very impactful programme called “Operation Safe Connect to Your Destination.

“Through the programme, we made Birnin Kebbi- Argungu- Sokoto boder, and Kalgo- Kamba road pothole free; as well as Bunza- Dakongari- Kende, which is a link to federal roads, pothole free.

“As a result of this programme, the rate of accidents have now reduced drastically as some of the accidents recorded in the past were attributed to potholes,” he said.

Usman added that the agency had three direct labour road projects ongoing in 2024 in the state from January to date.

“At Wali, around kilometer 54, there was a collection of water; that is a stagnation of water to the extent that after heavy downpour, all motorists plying the road have to park until water recedes because of its force waves and movement.

” We have brought a permanent solution now to the area.

“We also have Birnin Kebbi – Argungu road, at Alwasa community; there was a place which was notorious and has been undergoing serious of rehabilitations and repairs but now we got approval to construct three- meter by three-meter box culverts and has now reached 60 per cent completion stage,” he said.

Usman added that there was rehabilitation of Sokoto State border road along Jega- Koko- Yauri- Niger state border road, saying the road had reached 80 per cent completion stage.

“We have Argungu- Bui road, around Lailaba; there was serious embarkments and rehabilitation which has now reached 55 per cent completion stage.

” All the projects will be completed within three to four weeks period,” he assured.

Usman reiterated the commitment of Dr Chukwuemeka Agbasi, the Managing Director of FERMA to make all federal roads in the state and even beyond pothole free, and motorable all year round within the limit of available resources.

He commended Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi for efforts in constructing befitting roads and providing them with solar streetlights and providing enabling environment for the agency to thrive.

“We also commend the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, for his support and encouragement to the agency in the state in particular and country at large,” Usman said.