The Federal Government is set to construct over 1.764.63km of rural roads across the nation.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, said that the Ministry through its Department of Rural Development said the provisions of these infrastructures would promote agricultural productivity, enhance the movement of agricultural products and boost socio-economic development in rural communities.
The minister made this known while commissioning the 4km Ung Wabai-Un Doka-Day Secondary School Asphaltic Road in Makarfi local government area of Kaduna State over the weekend.
“Other infrastructures provided include 1,375 solar-powered/motorised, boreholes, 56 mini-water treatment plants and 23,456 units (1.407Mw) of solar lights/inverters, 19 rural markets and 1 earth dam in the state.
“These provisions are expected to play crucial roles in promoting economic and cultural development, improve road connectivity and accelerate the process of development, encourage efficient transit of essential goods and services amongst others.
“The project is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration drive of promoting good and accessible road network for small-holder farmers to enhance socio-economic development in rural communities in Nigeria.
“Road is one of the greatest fundamental infrastructures mankind needs. Its beginnings are almost helpful with man’s first quest in search of food, water, plunder or sheer adventure.
“It is, therefore, critical to develop roads’ infrastructure that can enhance connectivity among communities. These promote rural communities’ integration, which is necessary for the country to fully exploit her potentials.”
He further stated that access roads would encourage increased production of perishable agricultural produce – eggs, fruits, vegetables, milk and other dairy product.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information, signed by Obe Mabel, urged the benefitting communities to reciprocate the government’s gesture by providing security and proper post-construction management of the projects.
Earlier in his welcome address, the director, rural development department in the ministry, Engr. Daniel Udo, said that rural access roads are quite significant as they play crucial roles in promoting economic growth, as well as ensuring the availability of agricultural produce in far-off market centres or urban markets in fresh and good conditions. In his remarks, the vice chairman of Makarfi local government area, Alhaji Bello Sani, appreciated the Federal Government for the construction of the road project and said it would enable farmers in the community transport their farm produce to the local markets easily.
