Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman, NAN Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government on Friday commissioned the Durum–Kuruntumawa Asphalt Road in Makarfi and the Magajiya–Kasuwan Amaru and Audi–Kako roads in Zaria, marking a major infrastructure milestone.

Governor Uba Sani said the projects reflected his administration’s fulfilment of campaign promises and commitment to inclusive, equitable and enduring development, noting that road infrastructure remained central to economic growth and social wellbeing.

He said the commissioning went beyond ceremony, stressing that the roads would improve mobility, expand access to markets, schools and healthcare, and ensure development reached all parts of Kaduna State.

The Durum–Kuruntumawa Road, he said, served as a vital lifeline for Makarfi, one of twelve local governments that had not recorded a completed road project for over a decade.

The governor said the road reduced travel time and costs, improved safety, strengthened access to public services and directly supported agriculture, rural livelihoods and local economic productivity.

In Zaria, the Magajiya–Kasuwan Amaru Road was described as a major boost to urban mobility, linking densely populated communities with major markets and enhancing commercial activities.

Governor Sani commended residents for supporting the project, revealing that over ₦1 billion was paid as compensation following demolitions to ensure successful completion.

He said the Audi–Kako Road further expanded access to schools, healthcare facilities and business centres, reinforcing the role of infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social cohesion.

The governor disclosed that the projects were part of a wider programme covering 140 roads spanning 1,335 kilometres across Kaduna State, guided by fairness, accountability and timely delivery.

He said public confidence and community appreciation strengthened the administration’s resolve to build a peaceful, secure and people-centred Kaduna State.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Makarfi Local Government, Hon. Garba Mohammad Sabon Gari, welcomed the governor and state officials during the commissioning visit to the area.

Sabon Gari said the Durum–Kuruntumawa road aligned with the governor’s infrastructure renewal agenda, enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic activities and opening rural communities.

He said the people of Makarfi appreciated the assurances of additional projects, noting that the local government would continue supporting the administration’s development efforts.

Speaking to some of the residents in Zaria, they described the Magajiya–Kasuwan Amaru and Audi–Kako roads as long-awaited relief, saying daily commuting had become safer, faster and less costly for workers, students and traders.

In Makarfi, community members said the Durum–Kuruntumawa road ended years of isolation, easing access to markets, healthcare facilities and government services.

Traders across the affected communities said improved connectivity boosted commercial activities, reduced vehicle breakdowns and increased customer flow to local markets.

Also, farmers said the asphalt roads simplified produce evacuation, cut post-harvest losses and strengthened rural incomes during peak harvest seasons.

On their part, community leaders in both Zaria and Makarfi LGAs, said the projects renewed public confidence.

They urged sustained investment in road infrastructure to accelerate inclusive development across Kaduna State.

Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and upgrading of the internal road network at Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Campus, Zaria.

He described the project as a strategic intervention to improve safety, mobility and campus life, stressing that it reflected the Kaduna State Government’s recognition of education as a shared responsibility.

The governor said the project would include proper drainage, street lighting, pedestrian walkways and access for persons with disabilities, in line with inclusive infrastructure standards.

He noted that improved internal roads would enhance learning conditions, reduce risks and support academic, social and economic activities within the university community.

University management and students commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, and aligned with the administration’s commitment to inclusive leadership and quality education.

They said the project reinforced confidence in the government’s people-centred development agenda.