By Sokoto’s Musa Ubandawaki
SOKOTO: As the Federal Government increases oversight of the key road project, Mr. Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, has advised contractors managing the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria highway project to rigorously adhere to established dates and specifications.
During an inspection visit of ongoing rebuilding projects in Sokoto State’s Dange-Shuni and Tureta and Zamfara State’s Talata Mafara, Maru, and Bungudu, Goronyo gave the warning on Sunday.
According to him, the inspection was a regular aspect of the Ministry of Works’ oversight to evaluate work quality, progress, and contract compliance.
The minister claims that the road is a vital transportation route that connects multiple states and facilitates the flow of people and products throughout the area.
Goronyo, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works, stated, “I am leading a team of directors and senior officials of the ministry to assess the level of work done, the quality of construction and adherence to project specifications.”
He emphasized that contractors must adhere strictly to the terms of their contracts and said that the Federal Government will take the required administrative actions as needed to guarantee that project goals are fulfilled.
The minister urged contractors to maintain the pace of work and uphold quality standards while acknowledging the progress made on the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara portion of the route.
He pointed out that building had been hindered by previous delays related to compensating impacted property owners, but that work had restarted when those difficulties were resolved by the appropriate authorities.
Goronyo stated that the ministry has evaluated the existing state of the Mafara-Maru-Gusau stretch and would keep working with contractors to enhance delivery within predetermined deadlines.
In accordance with the project design and contract agreement, he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to finishing the full project within the allotted time.
The minister also praised initiatives to strengthen security surrounding building sites, pointing out that better working conditions for site workers were a result of increased security.
According to Goronyo, the Federal Government still places a high priority on long-term planning and robust road infrastructure while developing highways around the country.
He was accompanied during the inspection by Mr. U.B. Ekong, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, and Mr. C.A. Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Planning and Development.
In order to reassure locals of ongoing government supervision and respect to established protocols in project implementation, the delegation met contractors and community representatives.
