The Plateau State Government has awarded 10 new road construction projects in addition to ongoing efforts to revive about 45 long-abandoned road projects across the state, the Commissioner for Works, Joshua Ubandoma Laven, has disclosed.
Laven made this known during a media interaction with journalists at his office in Jos, stating that the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has embarked on an aggressive infrastructure renewal drive aimed at boosting connectivity, economic activities, and social development.
According to the commissioner, the state is currently committing over ₦560 billion to road infrastructure, covering inherited abandoned projects and newly approved ones.
“We inherited about 45 abandoned road projects, some of which have been abandoned for 12 to 13 years. Presently, 18 of these projects are actively ongoing, while several others have had their cost estimates reviewed. In addition to these, the total number of new roads awarded now is 10,” Laven said.
He explained that the decision to initiate new projects alongside the rehabilitation of abandoned ones was informed by the need to address long-standing infrastructure gaps in several local government areas.
“For instance, Piakum-Tunkus road which has never had a direct road of its own; it only links to other local governments. It is unfair for an entire local government area to remain without access roads. That is why the Piakum–Tunkus road was deliberately captured,” he said.
Laven also mentioned roads linking Ampere to Dengi and Dengi to Wase as part of the newly awarded projects, noting that the existing routes in those areas are severely dilapidated, leaving some communities effectively cut off.
He disclosed that the inherited road projects alone account for a debt profile of over ₦360 billion, while the newly awarded 10 projects are estimated to cost between ₦160 billion and ₦200 billion.
“Some of the inherited projects were awarded as far back as 2017 and 2018, and a single road can cost over ₦50 billion. It is not easy, but government cannot run away from its responsibilities because of cost. Our people deserve these roads,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the road projects are strategically targeted at improving rural-urban connectivity, enhancing agricultural productivity, boosting tourism, and reducing travel time and transportation costs.
“With improved access roads, farm produce will reach markets faster, reducing post-harvest losses. We already have major markets in Bassa, Mangu and Shendam, and rural communities must be properly linked to them,” he noted.
He further disclosed that the state government is deliberately lighting up communities through solar-powered streetlights as part of a broader strategy to revive nightlife, stimulate economic activities after dark, and enhance security and public safety.
“By illuminating major roads, markets and community centres with solar lights, we are not only improving visibility but also discouraging criminal activities and creating a safer environment for residents,” Laven said.
Laven added that some of the new roads would also open up scenic parts of Plateau State, thereby supporting tourism development.
Responding to questions on overhead bridges and road dualisation, the commissioner said the administration is open to constructing flyovers where necessary to ease traffic congestion.
“We are not in competition with anyone, but if there is a need for overhead bridges to decongest traffic, we will build them. Dualisation of roads and construction of bridges are key aspects of infrastructure development,” he said.
He identified possible locations such as Maraban Jama’a, Nasco area, and around the University of Jos axis as places where flyovers may be considered in the future, especially with the implementation of the Jos Master Plan and the creation of new development corridors.
On security concerns, particularly kidnapping along the Dawn/Dong axis, Laven said the government plans to improve road connectivity and introduce solar-powered lighting to discourage criminal activities.
“Once there is proper road connectivity, security agencies can access these areas easily. Some of these road networks, including those around wildlife park corridors, are already captured,” he added.
The commissioner dismissed claims that projects were being abandoned, insisting that delays experienced on some sites are due to due process and verification of contract bills.
“There is no project we have abandoned. We took over 45 abandoned projects and today 18 are actively ongoing. Government must verify bills and ensure due process before payments are made. These procedures sometimes cause delays, but they prevent inflation and sharp practices,” he said.
Laven assured that the Mutfwang administration remains committed to completing all awarded projects and delivering quality infrastructure to the people of Plateau State.
“This administration is focused and will not be distracted. We are determined to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people who entrusted us with their mandate,” he said.
