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Applaud Gov Fintiri’s giant strides, demand more
BY AUSTIN AJAYI, YOLA – Joy and excitement filled the air as Adamawa residents poured encomiums on Governor Umaru Fintiri for building and partially opening the first-ever flyover in Nigeria’s North-east region.
Now about 80 per cent completed, the flyover has been opened for public use from 6pm to 10pm as part of measures to ease the movement of people and motorists within the state.
Reacting to the development, some respondents told Forefront that the giant strides by Governor Fintiri’s administration are coming to the fore and need to be appreciated by the people of Adamawa state.
One respondent and a long-time resident of Yola, the Adamawa state capital, Mallam Nuhu Hallilu, said; “I never believed that this project will be completed in 10 years based on what we have been seeing. The pains we felt when it all began is now easing off.”
“Today, we can drive on the flyover for four (4) hours every day, it is something for us to behold and appreciate,” he said.
For Gabriel Atima, a civil servant, it was difficult to hide his feelings as he suddenly shouted “Fresh Air”; this is great. I hope the company will complete the remaining part soon.
“What I had considered a mirage has finally come to reality here in Adamawa. When I heard that the flyover is opened from 6pm to 10pm everyday, I waited in town to see and feel how it is like to drive on a flyover”.
On her part, Mrs Rukayatu Adamu, said; “We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to have this beauty of a project in the state that prides itself as the “Land of Beauty”. I am proud to be from Adamawa State.
“I went to Kano state sometime back. When I saw the flyover there, I only wished this can be done in my state. Today, that wish has come to pass. I rejoice with the governor and my people. I hope we will maintain it for our overall good.”
Similarly, a businessman, Mark Habibu, said; “this flyover is good but my fear is that criminals may take advantage of the shade it provides to commit crimes like we have seen in Lagos and some other states that has flyovers within the town.
“My appeal to government is that they should also provide security and street lights for our safety”
Speaking to our correspondent, who visited the construction site, the Project Manager, Engineer Ghassan Chanem said it became necessary to open the flyover partially in order to reduce the hardship motorists have been going through since the project commenced.
“The people have been cooperating, now that we have gotten to this stage. We feel it’s necessary to give them a relief”
“With the commitment of the State government, the job is progressing and we are likely to deliver the project on or before the agreed date”
Also commenting on the project, Permanent Secretary, Adamawa Ministry of Works and Energy Service, Engineer Mohammed Suleiman said the urban renewal programme of Governor Fintiri’s adminstration is on course with efforts geared towards addressing the plight of Adamawa people. With this in mind, we decided to open the flyover partially for ease of movement.
“You have gone out on your own and have heard from the people. We hope they will continue to give us their support and the contractors will deliver the project in good time”, Suleiman said.
The flyover and the interchange route was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited in August 2020 and it is scheduled for completion in 18 months.
With work experience stretching over ten years, TRIACTA (Nigeria) Limited is a Civil Engineering Construction Company that provides services on all forms of Civil Engineering Works. Having developed sufficient confidence in turnkey Civil Engineering construction works, including road construction and rehabilitation, the firm services both public and private sectors on small and large projects with a reputation for timely delivery and innovative management.
