By Ahmed Ahmed 

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi State chapter, have commended the Federal Government (FG) for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Dindima Village road along the Gombe axis and other emergency intervention projects across the state.

Our Correspondent reports that  the 35.4-kilometre rehabilitation project, valued at N39.9 billion, forms part of special federal interventions on roads and bridges, including emergency repairs of collapsed culverts and drainage systems at Sauke Village and Konkiyel town in Darazo Local Government Area. 

The commendation followed a joint media inspection of the Bauchi–Gombe federal highway and the intervention sites in Darazo on Sunday.

Mr. Shehu Wakili, Vice Chairman of NSE in Bauchi praised the contractor for maintaining high construction standards and expressed confidence that the road would stand the test of time. 

He also lauded the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

Similarly, COREN Chairman in the state, Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, said the project adhered to strict engineering standards, emphasising quality, durability, and the engagement of qualified professionals.

Community members also acknowledged the impact of the interventions. Malam Zakari Yau of Sauke Village noted that improved drainage had significantly reduced flooding previously experienced during the rainy season.

Mr Umar Sai’d,Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council,  said the project would ease movement between Bauchi and Gombe while enhancing the transportation of agricultural produce from rural communities along the corridor.

Site Manager of Triacta Nigeria Limited,  Mr. Joseph Samaha, disclosed that about 18 kilometres of the road had been completed in line with contractual specifications.

He assured that substantial progress would be achieved before the rainy season to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Also speaking Mr. Adamu Bashiru,Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi explained that the road originally constructed in the early 1990s had suffered severe structural failures, including potholes, cracking, and erosion. 

He said 21.8 kilometres had reached binder course level, while 11.87 kilometres were already at the wearing course stage.

According to him, the rehabilitation and widening works have reduced accidents, improved traffic flow, and are expected to stimulate economic activities across affected communities upon completion.