By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Fix Gembu Road Campaign Team, a pressure group in Taraba state on Monday, called on the federal government to renew efforts for the construction of the N95.2 Billion Bali–Serti–Gembu road.
The group in a press briefing in Jalingo led by the convener, Mr. Joel David Yaji and Audu Mamnga, decried the delay in the project work which was deepening the suffering of the people, crippling economic activities, healthcare delivery, and educational progress.
They said that the project which was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited, under the NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, at the cost of ₦95.2 billion on the 8th June 2022, to be completed within 24-month, has been abandoned for over three years.
The group also called on the federal lawmakers representing the zone from Taraba, to intensify legislative interventions by sponsoring motions, lobbying relevant Senate committees to ensure adequate budgetary funding for the project.
“We wish to draw the attention of the federal government to the abandoned 95.2 billion naira Bali–Serti–Gembu road, leading to the Mambilla Hydro power project.
“The contract was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited, under the NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, to be completed within 24 months but has been abandoned for over three years now.
“The delay in the project work has deepened the suffering of people at Mambilla plateau, crippled economic activities, healthcare delivery, as well, thwarting educational development in the area.
“While we commend the federal government for her efforts so far, we wish to inform that after 14 months behind schedule completion of the contract, and billions that have been released, the road remains in a deplorable state.
“The pace of execution is unacceptably slow, thereby prolonging the hardship of commuters and residents who depend on this vital corridor for economic, social, education and healthcare.
“We call on Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, to intensify his legislative interventions by sponsoring motions, lobbying relevant Senate committees, and ensuring the project receives adequate budgetary funding and priority oversight.
“Similarly, we urge Hon. David Abel Fouh, Member representing Sardauna, Gashaka and Kurmi Federal Constituency, to use his platform in the House to raise the matter persistently on the floor, engage relevant oversight mechanisms, and follow up with the Federal Ministry of Works for prompt action.
“We also appeal to the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari, as the voice of Taraba State in the Federal Executive Council, to champion the cause at the executive level by engaging with the Ministry of Works and other stakeholders to ensure that the project receive the desired attention.
“We call on the Federal Government to enforce the contract terms and ensure transparency. The SCC Nigeria Limited and the Federal Ministry of works should live up to there obligations.
“We urge the Minister of Works to prevail on SCC to provide immediate remedial works, especially between Maisamari and Nguroje, where condition of the road has become unbearable making a journey of 374 kilometers to take two days
“We appeal to all stakeholders from Sardauna LGA, both within and outside the state, to unite and push for the timely completion of the project”. The group advocated.
The group however thanked the Federal Government for awarding a 71 Billion naira, Gembu to Mbamnga- Bang Lip Road, Mbamnga Yambam and Mbamnga Mbar Road.
They commended Barr. Umar Bangari for facilitating the 16 Kilimoters township road network in Gembu town, currently ongoing.
They also commended Mr. Bello Hammaadama and Barr. Umar Bangari for their joint efforts for the rehabilation of Gembu Road, and the construction of Nguroje Mayo Ndaga Road.
