By Khalid Idris Doya
The Federal Ministry of Works has commissioned emergency flood control projects involving repaired concrete-lined drains and culverts at Konkiyel town and Sauke Village in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State, at a total cost of N703,197,173, to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding on communities, road infrastructure, and public safety.
The projects were commissioned by Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Sa'idu, during a media tour on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engr. Bashiru Adamu, explained that the emergency repair of the collapsed concrete-lined drain and culverts at Konkiyel town was awarded on January 12, 2024, and completed on April 23, 2024, at a cost of N371,649,550.00.
According to him, Konkiyel Town is located at Kilometre 120 along the Bauchi-Kari Road, where the existing drainage structure collapsed due to heavy rainfall during the peak of the rainy season, coupled with inadequate drainage capacity to accommodate excess floodwater.
"To forestall future occurrences and protect the road embankment from erosion, the collapsed concrete-lined drain and culvert were completely reconstructed," Engr. Adamu said.
He also disclosed that emergency repairs were carried out on a collapsed cell pipe culvert and concrete-lined drain at Sauke Village, along the Bauchi-Darazo-Kari Road, at a contract sum of N331,347,623.50.
Engr. Adamu noted that the existing two-cell pipe culvert at Sauke Village collapsed entirely, submerging the community due to intense rainfall experienced during the rainy season.
"In order to prevent a recurrence and safeguard the embankment from erosion, a new cell box culvert and concrete-lined drainage system were constructed at the location," he explained.
He added that the contractor completed the entire project in July 2024, describing the quality of work and overall performance as satisfactory.
"The intervention is aimed at protecting the roadway from collapse and addressing environmental challenges associated with climate change and global warming. Appropriate drainage systems, reinforced concrete structures, and water control measures were designed to withstand future flooding and erosion," he said.
"These measures will ensure long-term durability of the road and uninterrupted access, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development," he noted.
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, said the projects are part of a broader national infrastructure initiative comprising 260 Emergency and Special Intervention Projects approved by the Federal Government at the onset of the current administration.
"The objective is to ensure that roads remain motorable, as road infrastructure and transportation are critical drivers of economic growth. This administration treats infrastructure development as a national priority due to its wide-ranging socio-economic benefits," he stated.
The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi Branch, Engr. Shuaibu Wakili, commended the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that it would significantly improve transportation within the North-East corridor.
"This road is extremely important because it links parts of Bauchi State to the wider North-East region, including Borno State. Without these culverts and drainage structures, the road would be cut off during flooding, disrupting the movement of goods and services," the e said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Said, urged host communities to protect the infrastructure by planting vegetation and trees along the corridor to prevent erosion and safeguard the environment.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the Village Head of Sauke Village, Zakari Yau, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the timely intervention.
"This project has brought great relief to our community. It has addressed long-standing challenges and will significantly improve movement, safety, and economic activities.
"On behalf of the community, we assure the government that we will protect and maintain this infrastructure for the benefit of all," he said.
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