Sani approves compensation for 189 households, mobilises contractors on Rigasa road projects

Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved the payment of compensation to 189 households affected by the ongoing road construction across four major road corridors in Rigasa community, with disbursement set to commence immediately.

The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr Abdullahi Ahmed, disclosed this in an interview during an inspection tour of the road projects linking Rigasa to the Rigasa Train Station, and the reconstruction and upgrade of the Zango,Asibibi,Tudun Wada Road in Kaduna South.

Ahmed said the compensation exercise covered households affected along Makera Road, Ado Garam, Asmau Makarfi and Lokoja Road, describing them as strategic routes critical to mobility and economic activities in the area.

“His Excellency has graciously approved compensation payments to about 189 households across these four corridors, and the disbursement will commence within the next one to three days,” he said.

According to him, construction work, being handled by CCECC, had progressed steadily after initial delays caused by the need to relocate utilities such as water pipelines, electricity lines within the road alignment.

The contractor is fully mobilised and back on site. Let me make it very clear that the Kaduna State Government is not owing the contractor a dime.

“The only challenge encountered was property compensation and relocation of services, which has now been resolved,” Ahmed stated.

He added that the Lokoja Road project was particularly important as it links Rigasa to the train station and national facilities, noting that the contractor would not demobilise equipment until the project was completed.

Ahmed appealed to the residents of the affected communities to continue to support the government, stressing that the road projects were meant to improve access to schools, hospitals and businesses.

During a separate inspection visit to the Kabala Costain Aliyu Makama Link Road, Ahmed said the project, inherited at about 30 per cent completion, had now reached over 60 per cent.

He explained that poor soil conditions along the corridor required a review of the initial design, leading to the decision to extend the bridge for safety and cost efficiency.

“As you can see, the contractor has commenced piling works, precasting of beams and other structural elements.

“By the rainy season, we expect to complete the bridge and open the road to traffic,” he said.

Also speaking on the project overview, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the inspection tour was part of the government’s commitment to monitor progress on the 140 road projects being executed across urban, semi-urban and rural areas of the state.

Maiyaki said Sani had so far completed 66 road routes and remained committed to ensuring that no project initiated under his administration would be abandoned.

“The intention of His Excellency is to deliver legacy projects that will stand the test of time.

“Quality is as important as completion, and that is why these projects are being closely monitored,” he said.

Members of the Rigasa community expressed appreciation to the state government for the intervention.

Mr. Saidu Salisu, Chairman of Government Day Secondary School, Rigasa Central, thanked the government for bringing road development to the area.

“We thank God for bringing this government to Kaduna State. This road will greatly benefit our community,” he said.

Another resident, Malam Auwalu Adamu, also commended the government and prayed for the successful completion of the projects.

“Initially, there was fear among residents, but the government’s commitment to paying compensation to affected households has given us great relief,” he said.

The roads, including Ado Garam, Asmau Makarfi, Lokoja and Makera Roads, are considered vital links within Rigasa and its surrounding communities.