The federal government has commenced work on the Wuju-Wuju/Jakara road and sewage project in the city of Kano state, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Atah, has said.
The project, which will gulp a total sum of N47 billion, is a major urban infrastructure intervention, aimed at controlling erosion and stimulating economic activities in the state.
Atah disclosed that the federal government took over execution of the project through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a formal request by the Kano State government.
The project spans four councils of Kano state capital, which include: Gwale, Kano Municipal, Dala and Fagge local government areas, linking the densely populated parts of the metropolis prone to flooding and environmental degradation.
“When completed, it would positively impact the economic lives of the residents,” the minister said.
Speaking to journalists, the minister said the State Government had executed 850 metres of the project, and the Federal Government will complete 6.7 Kilometres.
Atah said the Kano State Government would pay the compensation of houses affected by the project, adding that it (Kano) has already paid 2 Kilometres of houses.
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He said the Controller of Housing, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, would continue to supervise the project, while he inspects the project until it is completed and delivered in sound quality.
It was gathered that the Jakara–Wuju–Wuju project was originally initiated in 2013 by the administration of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as part of efforts to tackle recurrent flooding and environmental hazards around the Jakara River corridor. However, funding constraints slowed progress over the years, limiting construction.
The minister commended the Kwankwaso administration for starting the project, which it appropriated the sum of N5 billion.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the N47 billion funding of the project, which he said the president did for his love for Kano state.
“We have to appreciate Tinubu’s love for Kano State. This is another giant project given to Kano State by the Bola Tinubu administration.
“The project cuts across four metropolitan local government areas and its economic impact will be very huge. When completed, it will significantly improve urban infrastructure in Kano, reduce erosion-related damage, and enhance economic activities across the benefiting areas,” Alhaji Atah added.