Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has flagged off the construction of a flyover at the Government Reserve Area (GRA) roundabout in the metropolis.
The project, which will cost N4.32 billion, has the flyover and six service lanes awarded to Mother Cat Construction Company and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
In his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Masari said by that effort, the city has joined the league of states that have taken steps towards modernisation of their capitals and other major cities to accommodate the rapid expansion of businesses and population.
He said 50 per cent of the total contract amount had been given to the contractor to ensure speedy execution of the project.
He said but for paucity of funds due to different challenges, including low oil prices, COVID-19 pandemic and the issues of insecurity, his administration had a robust plan for the remaking of Katsina metropolis.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Alhaji Tasiu Dahiru Dandagoro, said the flyover underscored the Masari administration’s urban renewal programme.
He said the two similar projects at Kofar Kaura and Kofar Kwaya were going as planned, noting that they have reached 80 and 40 per cent respectively, and would be completed within the stipulated time.
Also in his remarks, the contractor, Mr Maroune Ghostine, assured of his company’s readiness to deliver the project timely and with the standard quality.
He said the modern flyover will serve many roles which include streamlining traffic control in the city in which a lot of waste of time will be avoided; it will reduce the noise, air and other environmental pollution as well as improve pedestrians’ safety and help the communities in business growth.
