By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) says it is currently building 12 bridges in various locations in Yobe State.
Professor Ali Abbas, the NEDC Coordinator in the state, stated this in Jumbam on Friday, while inspecting the ongoing construction of a-two span (30 metre) bridge by the commission.
He said four of the bridges had been completed, while eight others were at various stages of completion.
Abbas expressed satisfaction with the Jumbam bridge project, which, he said, had reached about 90 percent completion.
The Coordinator said the contractor handling the project, Greyland Multiple Investment Ltd., had assured the commission that the project would be delivered in four weeks.
He noted that the all-important bridge would link Damaturu with several local government areas including Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari, Geidam, Bade, Nguru, Karasuwa and Machina.
Abbas said the project was conceived by the NEDC Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Alkali, on the request of Gov Mai Mala Buni, shortly after flood triggered by heavy downpour washed off the road leading to the area.
The Coordinator, however, expressed concern over slow pace of work at the single span ( 20 metres) Kaliyari bridge project of the Commission, urging the contractor to speed up work before the commencement of heavy downpour.
In his remarks, Mr Ngita Iliya, Greyland Company Engineer, said the project had met all the requirements and specifications as contained in the contract.
He assured that the project would be handed over in either three weeks or one month as all the materials needed for the completion of the work within the timeline were on ground.
A community leader, Alhaji Maaji, commended the NEDC for investing in bridge, which would end the threat of seasonal floods in the area.