By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Residents of Boi, Tapshin, and surrounding communities in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State are breathing a sigh of relief following the construction of an
11.2 kilometre Boi–Tapshin road, a project which have contributed to the development of the area.
According to reports, communities in the area in the past has been cut off during the rainy season as floods washed away roads and bridges, often leading to loss of lives, painful experiences of being stranded for days and even losing loved ones to flood-related incidents.
The residents made this known in Bogoro Local government during a state media tour of some of the ongoing and completed projects by the Governor Bala Mohammed administration throughout the local government councils.
The tour is facilitated by the ministry of Information and Communication led by Commissioner Usman Shehu Usman with support from the office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity under the leadership of Muktar Gidado
A resident of Tapshin known as Istifanus Barde said that they experienced a lot of difficulties particularly during the rainy season because of lack of an access road.
“I am really happy. We are grateful for what this government did for us. This river claimed many lives. All past administrations did not remember us. There was a time a corpse spent two days because people could not cross the road due to flooding.”he said
Similarly, Astra Joy, a resident of Jolom community .near Boi, said she could hardly believe the road was now a reality.
“We are really happy with the construction of this road. We suffered a lot before it came. During the rainy season, we lost many lives because the floods washed them away,” she said.
The road, which was awarded under the state’s Accelerated Road Project initiative, was completed with modern specifications, including a five-span bridge, box and ring culverts, and a 10.3-metre-wide carriageway with shoulders.
Engineer Ado Shehu, Deputy Director (Civil) and Principal Resident Engineer in the Ministry of Works and Transport, who supervised the project, confirmed that the road had been fully delivered according to contract specifications.
“The road has been completed in all aspects of the contract. It has a lifespan of 15 years and links several settlements before terminating at Tapshin, which borders Plateau State. It is a critical route for trade and movement in this region,” he said.
The project, already handed over after a 12-month maintenance period by the contractor, is expected to boost economic activities and improve safety for the communities.
Residents say beyond easing transportation, the road has restored hope and dignity to their communities long neglected by successive administration.