Written By Isma’il Adamu; Edited By Godwin Duru
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has launched the construction of a second lane to dualize the Mashi township road, along the Katsina-Daura road in Mashi local government area of the state.
The 3-kilometer road will be constructed at the contract sum of N5.4 billion and is scheduled to be completed within six months.
Governor Radda explained that when completed, the road will ease traffic, improve access to market, lower transport costs and provide a conducive atmosphere for businesses in Mashi town to thrive.
“Mashi town occupies an important place in the commercial life of Katsina State, being home to one of the largest and busiest markeswhich attracts farmers and transporters as well as traders and their customers from across Katsina and neighbouring states.
“The market serves as a major center of exchange of agricultural, livestock and industrial commodities making it a vital driver of economic development in the region. However the growing volume of commercial activities has given rise to traffic congestion in the town which necessitates the expansion of the township road”, he said.
The governor explained that besides dualization, the project also entails the construction of drainage and installation of solar-powered street lights on both lanes of the road.
In his speech, the state Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Sani Magaji, said the project is part of the state government’s Urban Renewal program which entails the provision of state-of-the-art infrastructure to enhance the quality of life in urban centers across the state.
“Mashi is a major commercial center where thousands of farmers, traders, and transporters converge to carry outa business and social activities. The road will therefore decongest traffic, improve access to market, reduce travel time, enhance road safety and crate an enabling environment for businesses and industries to flourish.
“It is a project whose benefits will also extend far beyond Mashi, to positively impact neighbouring communities and the economy of Katsina State as a whole”, the commissioner said, urging the contacting firm to execute the project to specification.
