Plateau State government is soon to smile as the Federal Government (FG) has taken steps to reimburse the state over the Federal Road interventions the government has carried out.
The good news was disclosed during a visit to the state by a Federal Government Team, on the verification of state interventions on Federal Road infrastructure.
The team, led by the Minister of Transport, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Housing amongst others visited Jos to assess the road projects carried out by the Plateau State government with a view to reimbursing the state
They were received by the state delegation led by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Noel Donjur, Commissioner for Works, Hon. Victor Lapang, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Hyat, Perm Sec Works, Engr. Alexander Plangnaan and other top government officials.
The minister disclosed that the team was in the state on the directive of the president based on the submission made by Governor Simon Bako Lalong requesting for the refund of funds expended by the state government on various Federal Road projects and bridges such as the British-American Flyover and dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout which is nearing completion.
Other completed projects inspected include Heipang-Mararaban Jama’a- Heipang, Mararaban Jama’a British American Junction, Secretariat Flyover Bridge, Polo Roundabout to Farin Gada, and British American Junction Flyover.
Other roads visited by the delegation are the ongoing construction of Demshin-Angwan Dadi-Kalong -Nyak, Shargan-Angwan Rina road(42.49km) and rehabilitation of Longvel-Yelwa-Mato Road (42km).
The minister described the projects as people oriented and impactful to the citizens of Plateau State and those of other states who use them also.
He said “This visit is by a team that constitutes part of the ministerial committee to assess road projects that were undertaken by the Plateau State government on designated federal highways. It is also to reimburse the state government with monies expended in carrying out such projects”.
He also said as somebody who knows Jos very well, he was highly impressed by the quality of the work and would have probably missed his way if he had visited alone despite his familiarity with the city.
Sambo said the Plateau State government needs to be commended for carrying out the projects despite its lean resources, emphasising that for these projects, the reimbursement is timely and in order.
Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden who received the team on behalf of Governor Lalong said the verification of the projects being carried out by the committee was evidence that the Rescue Administration has been working.
He said while the state will be expecting the reimbursement of about six billion naira very soon, it will continue with the projects that are yet to be completed and ensure they are delivered on time and with the highest quality.
