Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Saturday inspected some ongoing projects in his country home, Takum.
The projects inspected included the 6.5 kilometre Takum, Katsina Ala road, the Abuja 2.2 kilometre township road which are both being handled by the Taraba Road Construction and Maintenance Agency, TARCMA, and the Takum power substation which is being handled by Dizzat company limited.
Speaking to Government House Press Crew shortly after the inspection, Governor Darius Ishaku expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work saying that by the terms of the agreement the the 6.5 kilometre road should have been completed four months ago.
However, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stating that, the work is being carried out according to standard and specification and explained that the 6.5 kilometre road is among the projects he intends to commission while marking his one year in office.
In the same vein, the Governor said he will deploy the Commssioner of Works and Transport to monitor and ensure the completion of the project by providing all that the Agency requires so that it will be completed and commissioned as intended by his administration.
Speaking on the 2.2 kilometre Abuja byepass road which is meant to connect the old and the new settlement in Takum, Governor Darius Ishaku explained that the area is a new settlement and most people are now moving to the area. As a result, there is need to provide them with an access road. He stated that Because of the deep gully which separates the old and the new settlement, a bridge will be constructed so that the two areas would be connected and Takum town could be accessed from all angles.
The Governor was conducted round the two project sites by the project supervisor, Engineer Dauda Ishola who told the Governor that work is progressing steadily and solicited for prompt release of funds so that the Agency can meet up with the new deadline.
Engr. Ishola regretted that the Agency lagged behind because there were problems with some of their equipment. He appreciated the Governor for his promptness in the replacement of some of their articulated vehicles that had broken down and stressed that at the moment the Agency has no problem in terms of equipment.
He also informed the Governor that the Agency discovered that one of the culverts is old and may not be able to accommodate and withstand the force of water when the project is completed and said in order to conform with engineering safety standard the culvert will be removed and a new mini bridge constructed.
While at the power substation, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku was taken round the project by the Managing Director of Dizzat company limited, engineer, Engr. Ishaku Tikon, the areas inspected by the Governor included the already mounted 750 KVA transformer and the substation’s main building which is to serve as both offices and control room.
Engr. Tikon told the Governor that most of the work on the transformer have been completed. Only the outside protective components are being expected and assured the Governor that the delivery will be done that week, stating that the work will be completed far ahead of the time frame.
Governor Darius Ishaku expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and commended the MD for keeping faith with his administration, explaining that, the level of work carried out so far by the company far outweighed what was given to him and assured the MD that all that is needed to help him complete the remaining work will be attended to with urgency.
Immediately after the inspection of the substation, Governor Darius Ishaku had to address a large gathering of Takum residents who came out in their numbers to cheer and assure him of their support for the various projects going on throughout the state, with particular emphasis on Takum town.
The Governor told the happy crowd that very soon Takum will be connected to the 33 KVA line from Katsina Ala, this will improve the power supply adding that very soon Kashimbila project will equally come up.
He told the gathering that he is determined to give the state his best urging them to take advantage of the electricity when fully completed; adding that when the 33 KVA becomes operational it would be extended to Ussa Local Government and Yangtu Special development areas respectively.
In the course of the inspection, Governor Darius Ishaku donated the sum of five hundred thousand Naira to a small scale business enterprise in Angwan Rogo that specialises in the fabrication of kitchen utensils with wood. He contracted them to fabricate about 100 different varieties of the utensils which will be paid for by the state government.
The business enterprise epecilises in the fabrication of Morta and pistle, wooden spoons and forks, wooden dishes, trays and cups.