From Saka Bolaji, Minna
The Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Alhaji Mohammed Dantoro (Mai Borgu), has described federal roads in Niger State as deadly and security threats to motorists and the people of the state while calling the government to re-award the contract for the construction of the Mokwa – New Busa – Wawa – Roffia road project abandoned since the inception of democratic rule in 1999.
The traditional ruler stated this at the weekend in his palace in New Busa in an interview with journalists adding that the state of roads in his kingdom was hampering the development of tourism for which the area was known.
He lamented that although the road project was awarded by the federal government several years ago, the contractors had since abandoned the project for lack of payment by the civilian government , adding that the villages in the area have been cut off from New Busa town and subjected to untold hardship in transportation of farm products.
He said, “When President Buhari was the chairman of PTF, he came to the rescue of Borgu people by awarding the contract for the construction of Mokwa – New Busa –Wawa – Roffia road. Unfortunately when the civilian administration came on board, the contractors were not paid and the project was abandoned. The part that was constructed had become dilapidated and efforts must be made to rehabilitate it and also complete the road. As it is presently, it is not in the interest of my people and Niger state in general”.
“As you know, my chiefdom is blessed with lots of tourism potentials and without good roads tourists cannot come to the area. Roads are essential parts of tourism “, he explained.
The royal father argued that the bad condition of the federal roads in the state were exposing the tourists and the people of the state to security threats and other hazards, adding that it was therefore imperative for the federal government to pay attention to fixing the roads.
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on the federal government to come to the rescue of Borgu people ensure that the contract that was awarded for the construction of the Mokwa- New Busa – Wawa – Roffia road is re-awarded”.
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