Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, has initiated the construction of yet another flyover at the west end roundabout in Maiduguri, marking the third of such projects under his administration.
Accompanied by Borno Central Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, Governor Zulum conducted the flag-off ceremony on weekend, signaling the commencement of the project, which is anticipated to be completed within a year.
This new infrastructure endeavor, as noticed by our correspondent, follows the inauguration of Borno’s first flyover around the custom roundabout in 2020, which was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the subsequent completion of a second flyover earlier this year, pending official commissioning.
Addressing the significance of the project during the flag-off, Governor Zulum emphasized its alignment with his administration’s electoral promise to enhance urban development in key cities across Borno State, particularly within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
“In line with our electoral mandate to revitalize major urban centers in Borno State, particularly the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the state government remains committed to enhancing and modernizing facilities within the council,” Governor Zulum affirmed.
He further reiterated his administration’s dedication to completing ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including the newly commenced flyover, ensuring tangible progress before the end of his tenure.
Governor Zulum underscored the multifaceted benefits of the flyover, emphasizing its role in alleviating traffic congestion, facilitating smoother traffic flow, and generating indirect employment opportunities for youth within the region.
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“The construction of this flyover is not only aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of the area but also at alleviating vehicular congestion.
The custom roundabout, which according to him, was previously one of the busiest intersections, the new flyover, if completed, he believed will create numerous job opportunities “for our youth within the Metropolitan Council'”.
Notably, Governor Zulum disclosed that 50% of the construction funds had already been disbursed to the contractor, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), assuring prompt payments to facilitate the project’s progress.
Providing technical insights into the flyover’s specifications, Mustapha Gubio, the Commissioner for Works and Housing, highlighted its dimensions, including a length of 470 meters, two piers, two abutments, and three spans, traversing Sir Kashim Road. He also detailed key structural features such as elastomer bearings for stability and pedestrian protection barriers.
In response, Mr. Gao Kun, representing EEC, reassured Governor Zulum of the company’s commitment to delivering quality work within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring the timely completion of the project.
