Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has initiated the commencement of construction for a new flyover at the west end roundabout in Maiduguri. Accompanied by the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, Zulum conducted the flag-off ceremony on Saturday. This marks the third flyover project under the Zulum administration, anticipated to conclude within one year.
The endeavor follows the inception of Borno’s first flyover in 2020 around the custom roundabout, inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The completion of the second flyover earlier this year awaits official commissioning. Zulum emphasized the significance of the flyover initiative, highlighting its alignment with his electoral promise to enhance infrastructure in major Borno cities, particularly the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
“In fulfilment of our electioneering campaign to ensure urban renewal of some major cities in Borno State, especially Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the government of Borno State is serious about uplifting and upgrading facilities within the Metropolitan Council,” Zulum reiterated during the flagging-off ceremony.
Governor Zulum articulated the administration's commitment to seeing through ongoing projects, affirming, “We have constructed two flyovers; this will be the third one and, in Sha Allah, before we leave office, we will ensure the completion of all the structures we have initiated.” Beyond aesthetics, Zulum stressed the flyover's utility in alleviating traffic congestion and fostering employment opportunities for the youth.
“The construction of this flyover is not only for aesthetic consideration. The most important thing is to reduce vehicular congestion in the area. The custom roundabout was the busiest before now. The construction here would create thousands of job opportunities for our teeming youth within the Metropolitan Council,” Zulum elucidated.
Governor Zulum disclosed that 50% of the construction funds have already been disbursed to the contractor, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), underscoring the government's commitment to facilitating timely project execution. Engr Mustapha Gubio, the Commissioner for Works and Housing, provided technical details, outlining the bridge's specifications, including its length of 470m, two piers, two abutments, and three spans.
The flyover, traversing from west to east along Sir Kashim Road, incorporates elastomer bearing for stability and barriers to ensure pedestrian safety. Mr Gao Kun, representing EEC, expressed assurance regarding the quality and timely completion of the project, reinforcing Governor Zulum's vision for infrastructural development in Maiduguri.
The initiation of the west end flyover underscores Zulum's proactive approach towards enhancing urban infrastructure and fostering economic growth in Borno State. With tangible progress evident in the completion of previous flyover projects, the administration remains steadfast in its pursuit of transformative initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of Borno residents.