The ongoing reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Mando-Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road will unlock the enormous agricultural and commercial potential of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the council chairman, Dr Salisu Isah, has said.

Isah said the N177bn project would reconnect communities, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, attract investment and create employment opportunities for thousands of residents who had endured years of poor connectivity and insecurity.

The chairman stated this in a statement  issued and made available to Arewa PUNCH after President Bola Tinubu officially flagged off the reconstruction of the strategic highway.

He described the project as more than a road construction initiative, saying it represented an economic intervention capable of transforming the fortunes of Birnin Gwari and surrounding communities.

Isah noted, “This road is more than a physical infrastructure project. It is an investment in human development, national unity and economic prosperity.

“It will restore confidence to our people and unlock enormous opportunities for communities that have endured years of hardship,” he said.

The chairman pointed out that farmers, traders, transporters, students and other residents depended on the road to access markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

He stressed that the poor condition of the route had for years constrained economic activities, particularly agriculture, which remains a major source of livelihood for residents.

According to him, the reconstruction would reduce transportation difficulties, enable farmers to move their produce to markets more efficiently and encourage traders and investors to return to the area.

“This is a day of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah and a day of celebration for every son and daughter of Birnin Gwari. For many years, the reconstruction of this strategic highway remained the earnest desire of our people.

“Today, that aspiration has begun to take shape under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Isah recalled that Tinubu had previously visited Birnin Gwari and personally witnessed the condition of the road and the difficulties confronting the people.=

He described the commencement of the project as evidence that the

President had translated his commitment to the people into concrete action.

“Mr President has once again shown that responsible leadership is measured by action. The people of Birnin Gwari deeply appreciate this historic intervention,” the chairman stated.

Isah also commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for complementing the federal government’s intervention with projects in the local government.

He specifically cited the ongoing reconstruction of the 36-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road, which he said had reached an advanced stage.

“The Bagoma-Gagumi Road is another important intervention that deserves our appreciation. Its reconstruction has reached an advanced level, and the standard of work gives our people renewed confidence that this vital route will provide lasting economic benefits to our communities,” he said.

While expressing appreciation for the interventions, Isah appealed for the completion of the Gwargwaje-Zaria Road through the Farin Ruwa to Saulawa project, which he said was commenced in 2011 but later abandoned.

“We respectfully appeal to the relevant authorities to revisit this important project and bring it to completion. Its conclusion will reconnect communities, facilitate commerce and further open up the economic potential of the area,” he urged.

The council chairman also called for the reconnection of communities in the eastern and western parts of Birnin Gwari to the national electricity grid.

According to him, nine of the 11 wards remain without electricity following years of insecurity and disruption of power infrastructure.

Isah said restoring electricity would support agriculture, education, healthcare, small businesses and communication, thereby complementing the road infrastructure.

He further called for the rehabilitation of educational and healthcare facilities and the establishment of higher institutions, a JAMB examination centre and functional skills acquisition centres.

“The future of Birnin Gwari must not be defined only by the challenges we have survived. It must increasingly be defined by the opportunities we create for our children and young people,” he said.

The chairman also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for facilitating the road project, while urging residents to protect the infrastructure.

He also praised the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Malam Zubair Jibril, Maigwari II, for his leadership and efforts towards peace and development.

“We receive these interventions with gratitude, but also with renewed responsibility. Birnin Gwari is ready to support every genuine effort towards peace, connectivity, education, healthcare and economic development,” Isah stressed.