Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) on Thursday during its regular meeting, approved securing of a N5 billion loan facility to facilitate the implementation of the new Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) across the state.
This loan will be used as counterpart funding for the project, which also includes Twelve completed rural roads under the RAAMP initiative, set to be inaugurated soon.
The disclosure was made by the State Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Faruq Mustapha, while addressing Journalists on the outcome of the SEC meeting, chaired by the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir.
According to Faruk Mustapha, the State is leading in the implementation of RAAMP projects among the nineteen participating states, hence the move to consolidate on this achievement.
He further stated that the Ministry has identified over 400 kilometers of rural roads across the State requiring urgent intervention which prompted the decision to secure the soft loan.
Currently, over 300 Kilometers of rural road projects are ongoing across the State.
In a related development, the Council approved several key infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the second phase of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Wailo, Completion of the abandoned State NECO office building, reconstruction of the private residence of the State’s first Civilian Governor, late Alhaji Tatari Ali in Zaki Local Government Area.
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The Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Kawule explained that the decision to upgrade the late Tatari Ali’s residence is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to Bauchi State’s development.
The Council also approved the rehabilitation of part of the Awalah Roundabout Road project, constructed by the APC administration of the immediate former Governor of the State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN.
Similarly, the Council approved a proposal from the Commissioner, Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Maidawa Bello to engage foreign investors in solid minerals exploration within the state.
Maidawa Bello revealed that the initiative is based on agreements reached during the State Government’s recent visit to Shandong Province in China where discussions with a Chinese firm were held to enhance Bauchi’s solid minerals sector.
He noted that the project would create thousands of job opportunities and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
According to him, Two mining sites in Toro and Dass Local Government Areas have been identified in partnership with the State Government.
These approvals and ratification demonstrate the Bala Mohammed led PDP Administration’s commitment to driving development and growth in the State.
