Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has commenced the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 41-kilometre Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road to improve connectivity across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Mutfwang performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, at Fan District, saying the road would be upgraded from its original surface-dressed design on a laterite base to a full asphalt road.
The road was originally awarded in December 2012 to Eighteen Engineering International Construction Company (EEC), but the changing traffic demands and deteriorating condition of the existing infrastructure made a comprehensive reconstruction necessary, he said.
“Upon completion, this road will reduce travel time, improve road safety, facilitate access to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and other essential services. It will also complement other strategic road projects of this administration, including the Foron–Bakin Kogi–Kadunu–Gindiri Road, further strengthening connectivity across Plateau State,” he said.
Mutfwang also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–Ibi Road.
He thanked the president for his support for Plateau State and said cooperation between the federal and state governments was creating opportunities for infrastructure development and economic growth.
The governor further commended residents of Fan and Barkin-Ladi for making land available for development and said his administration would continue to pursue programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
He also disclosed plans to introduce modern greenhouse agricultural systems, which he said would require less land while producing higher yields.
The Commissioner for Works, Cletus Shurkuk, said the Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road is an important economic and social link.
Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Stephen Pwajok, and the Da Gwom Rwai of Fan, Da Iliya Dashwai, thanked the governor for the project and pledged the support of residents.
They also assured the contractor of the cooperation of host communities to ensure the project was completed according to specification and within the agreed timeframe.
