By Sunny Anderson Osiebe..
Senate President, Dr.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, at the weekend flagged-off massive roads
construction in Zamfara State - projects being executed by Governor
Abdul'aziz Yari.
The project includes the Dauran-Birnin, Tsaba Birnin and Magaji Kauran Namoda Roads in Zamfara State.
Earlier in his remarks, Saraki called on Government agencies at all levels to integrate Nigerian Engineers, technicians and artisans in their
workforce when embarking on construction projects as a way of utilizing local capacity and conserving scarce foreign exchange.
While urging all
government agencies to use locally made equipment in road construction
and rehabilitation where possible, according to a statement by his Chief
Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, the
Senate President noted that the 8th National Assembly is on the verge of passing the Federal Roads Authority
Bill and the National Road Fund Bill into law to promote
a safe and efficient management of the nation's road networks.
He added that the new laws when enacted would
open opportunities for
alternative funding mechanisms from the private sector that
will guarantee continuous improvement of the quality of the nation's highways year in year out.
Saraki said: "As we are about to begin this massive road construction, I hope that our Nigerian
Engineers, Technicians and Artisans have been and will continue to be incorporated in the workforce at all
the different stages of construction; and that we also
employ the use locally-made equipment where possible.
"This will boost local content and reinforce our drive
in the National Assembly for increased patronage of Made in Nigeria goods. It is expected that this avenue will provide a trickle-down effect on the socio-economic
activities of Zamfara state," he said.
The
Senate President lauded the Zamfara State Governor, Abdul'aziz Yari for
commencing the project in spite of limited resources.
He said: "Indeed, to
take up such a gigantic project in this period with such limited
resources coming into
the state makes an unmistakable statement that leadership and
governance is all about commitment to the course of lifting our people
from poverty and suffering.
"No doubt, the construction of a reliable road network is one of the fastest ways of moving people, goods
and services for growth and development. This project is commendable because Zamfara state plays a very
important role in food production in Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.
"For a state which prides
itself on its large farming population, an improved road network will definitely provide more employment opportunities to the people and improve socio-economic
activities in the State. The challenges of road construction and maintenance have been a very big setback
in our quest for sustainable economic development as a Nation," he said.
He added: "I will
like to thank all our party men and women who have kept faith with this
administration. The Executive arm and the legislature are working
tirelessly to ensure our economy is revived and
the fruits of development reach every citizen. We have to join hands
with Mr. President to ensure that the common man finds comfort in this
country."
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