By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Residents of Zango Kataf and Jaba local government areas have faced numerous attacks by bandits resulting in significant loss of lives, especially in remote villages such as Igbori, Kampani, Chibop, and Kikudu and are excited that a bridge linking communities wi bring succour.
Security operatives have struggled to access the communities quickly, except for the poor road condition and the inability to cross the river with their vehicles.
Farmers have also highlighted that the river has claimed many lives during attempts to cross for farming activities or to transport produce to neighboring markets.
To address these challenges, the federal government, through the Ecological Fund Office, has commissioned the bridge construction to alleviate the people’s sufferings.
The bridge will connect Kano, Katsina, and the Plateau states.
The Agwatyap, His Highness, Dominic Yahaya noted that the community has been longing for this development even before his birth.
He believes the bridge will bring the much-needed progress to the area. That area was greatly insecure because they were not accessible.
“The military and the security agencies could not get there to be able to address any form of crisis that was arising within that area. We appreciate the member federal house of Representatives.
“We appreciate the Office of the SGF. We appreciate the state government for giving support to the project,” he said.
Rt. Honourable Amos Gwamna Magaji, the member representing Zangon Kataf and Jaba Federal Constituency, emphasized that it would enable security operatives to respond more effectively to emergencies and stimulate economic activities in Kano and its neighboring states.
“Well, this area can also be used for irrigation, dry fields and farming, and then of course for farmers to also be able to use that road to move their farm product. It is also going to impact on security because the response time will now be shorter,” he said.
The construction company cited bandits activities and the rising cost of construction materials as the main reason for the project’s delay.
It is a risk that the project will face a problem of insecurity.
Construction materials are very, very exorbitant. It’s tripled labour, equipment, so we pray that our valuation will be approved.
With the project now 70% complete, locals have expressed optimism that its completion will reunite them with their families and neighbors, significantly improving the livelihoods and standard of living.
