Related Posts
By, Nick Dugba.
A sum of N27 billion is supposed to be refunded to Taraba state by the federal government which covers expenses incurred on the construction of federal roads in the State by past and present administrations in the state.
This was revealed by the State Commissioner of Works and Transport, Dr Tafarki Agbadu during the weekly media parley, Face the Press, organised by Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.
According to the Commissioner, his Ministry had made efforts to get the money paid to the State during the last National Council on Works meeting in Katsina, where he had met with the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola. He stated that all necessary arrangements had been made and that they were still awaiting the payment.
Chief among the federal roads that were constructed was the Jalingo- Sunkani- Garba Chede road which was constructed by the Danbaba Suntai administration and which the present administration paid a retention fee of N130 million.
He enumerated the efforts made by the Darius Ishaku administration in road construction to include: The Jalingo-Kona-Lau road which is 60 per cent completed, the Takum-Katsina Ala road which is 67 per cent completed and done through direct Labour by TARCMA.
He, however, debunked the claim that the on going contract for the Bali-Serti-Gembu road by Messrs PW (Nig) has been terminated, saying such was not true, but instead, the Company has about N94 million belonging to Taraba state.
Agbadu then disclosed that the Company PW, had packed off from the State due to debts owed them but that they were recalled by the Ishaku administration.
The Commissioner also disclosed that with available funds, it was his priority to dualize the Jalingo-Wukari road and Jalingo-Yola roads from the city gates on both axis before the end of this administration.
Other efforts made by his ministry include the commencement of commercial flights to and from Abuja at the Jalingo Airport and the recent flag off of the renovation of the Wukari General Hospital which was built in 1962.
Also, Agbadu stated that the government would not purchase buses for the state transport corporation but would rather enter into a partnership with the private sector to ensure efficiency and avoid any abuse.
The event was, however, hosted by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Media, Nelson Len.
