‘Fed Govt building roads in 36 states’

By Grace Obike, Abuja

The Federal Government has said it is building at least one road in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It stressed that while many had been completed, others were under construction and new ones were being planned.

The government also said it was repairing, building and rehabilitating many other roads under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola broke the news in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2019 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day with the theme: Frontier Technology As An Innovative Tool To Transform Waste To Wealth and Changing the World: Innovation and A Better Life for Future Generations.

The minister, who was represented by the Minister of State in the ministry, Abubakar Aliyu, said: “In terms of our achievements, we are delivering on our agenda for housing provision by aggressively and sustainably pursuing the model National Housing Programme, which will turn out acceptable and affordable houses for Nigerians and with a lot of associated economic opportunities.

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“Construction is ongoing in 34 states, most of which are largely completed, and will soon be offered for sale to the public, while also simultaneously planning the second phase in those states that have provided us with land.

“Another clear indicator of our commitment is in the Works sector. The effective, efficient and timely movement of people, goods, delivery of services is an imperative for socio-economic growth and sustainable development.

“I am pleased to report in this regard that there is at least one Federal road under construction in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While many have been completed, others are still under construction and new ones are being planned. We are also repairing, building and rehabilitating many other roads under FERMA, our Federal Road Maintenance Agency.

“Furthermore, we are mindful that our urban settlements offer multiple opportunities which cannot be attained without proper planning that adopts contemporary partnership strategies, new technologies and sustainable development models in order to improve their efficiency, reduce inequality and increase prosperity.”