By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Fix Gembu Road Campaign Team, a pressure group in Taraba State, on Monday, called on the Federal Government to rejuvenate efforts for the construction of the ₦95.2 billion Bali–Serti–Gembu road.
The group, in a press briefing in Jalingo led by its convener, Mr Joel David Yaji, alongside Mr Audu Mamnga, decried the delay in the project, lamenting that it was deepening the suffering of the people while crippling economic activities, healthcare delivery, and educational progress.
They noted that the project, which was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited under the NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme at the cost of ₦95.2 billion on June 8, 2022, with a 24-month completion period, has been abandoned for over three years.
The group also urged federal lawmakers representing the zone in Taraba to intensify legislative interventions by sponsoring motions and lobbying relevant Senate committees to ensure adequate budgetary funding for the project.
“We wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the abandoned ₦95.2 billion Bali–Serti–Gembu road, leading to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.
The contract was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited under the NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with a 24-month completion timeline, but it has been abandoned for over three years now.
The delay in the project has deepened the suffering of people on the Mambilla Plateau, crippled economic activities, and hindered both healthcare delivery and educational development in the area.
While we commend the Federal Government for its efforts so far, we must point out that 14 months after the scheduled completion date, and despite billions already released, the road remains in a deplorable state.
The pace of execution is unacceptably slow, prolonging the hardship of commuters and residents who depend on this vital corridor for economic, social, educational, and healthcare needs.”
The group specifically called on Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, to intensify his legislative interventions by sponsoring motions, lobbying relevant Senate committees, and ensuring that the project receives adequate budgetary funding and priority oversight.
Similarly, they urged Hon. David Abel Fouh, Member representing Sardauna, Gashaka, and Kurmi Federal Constituency, to persistently raise the matter on the floor of the House, engage relevant oversight mechanisms, and follow up with the Federal Ministry of Works for prompt action.
They also appealed to the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari, as Taraba’s voice in the Federal Executive Council, to champion the cause at the executive level by engaging with the Ministry of Works and other stakeholders to ensure that the project receives the attention it deserves.
“We call on the Federal Government to enforce the contract terms and ensure transparency. SCC Nigeria Limited and the Federal Ministry of Works must live up to their obligations.
We urge the Minister of Works to prevail on SCC to provide immediate remedial works, especially between Maisamari and Nguroje, where the condition of the road has become unbearable, making a 374-kilometer journey take up to two days.
We appeal to all stakeholders from Sardauna LGA, both within and outside the state, to unite and push for the timely completion of the project,” the group stated.
Meanwhile, the group commended the Federal Government for awarding the ₦71 billion Gembu–Mbamnga–Bang Lip Road, as well as the Mbamnga–Yambam and Mbamnga–Mbar roads.
They also appreciated Barr. Umar Bangari for facilitating the 16-kilometer township road network in Gembu town, which is currently ongoing.
Similarly, they commended Mr. Bello Hammaadama and Barr. Umar Bangari for their joint efforts in the rehabilitation of the Gembu Road and the construction of the Nguroje–Mayo Ndaga Road.
