The Rural Access and Mobility Project, funded by the World Bank, will construct 534 kilometres of rural roads across Benue State to enhance the transportation of agricultural produce.
This was disclosed by the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Stephen Numbeve, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi.
Numbeve explained that, in addition to the roads, the project will also build warehouses throughout the state for storing agricultural produce.
“We prioritised developing engineering road designs for the 534 kilometres we intend to construct. Surveys, geophysical studies, and final designs have already been completed,” he said.
“With these in place, we are ready to move forward as soon as funds are available. These roads will connect farms to markets, making it easier for farmers to transport their produce.”
The project will also include the construction of warehouses for secure storage of both fresh and dry produce, which Numbeve believes will boost agricultural productivity and improve market access.
“The roads will span all local governments in the state, although there is no specific allocation or sequence for the 534 kilometres. These roads are not federal or state roads (trunk A or B); rather, they are trunk C or D roads designed to create access for farmers to reach markets,” he added.
Numbeve attributed the slight delay in the commencement of the roads to the nonpayment of counterpart funds by the previous administration. He noted that while other states had made their payments and progressed, the new administration has now rectified the situation.
“We are now at the stage of accessing funds from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. These funds will be used to build roads and markets. Although we haven’t accessed any funds yet, progress has been made.”
He acknowledged the challenge of accessing funds, explaining that international funding requires certain statutory prerequisites, such as the payment of counterpart funding. Without this, the funds cannot be accessed.
When he took office, Numbeve also noted an issue with inadequate office accommodation, saying the previous administrative setup did not meet the standards of the International Technological Association. He emphasized the need for an exclusive office space to avoid undue political influence.
(NAN)
