By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State Government announced over the weekend that it has rehabilitated and completed 49 abandoned road projects in the last 18 months.
The state’s Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ubandoma Laven, made the announcement while addressing reporters in Jos.
Laven was responding to allegations raised by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam, who claimed that 80 percent of ongoing projects in the state were being funded by the Federal Government.
Our correspondent reports that Gagdi made the allegations last month during a national television interview.
During the interview, Gagdi also accused the state government of neglecting the people of his constituency.
However, Laven, who explained that the various road projects were spread across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, maintained that the Mutfwang-led administration had ensured an even distribution of projects throughout the state.
The commissioner emphasized that the current Plateau administration was committed to completing all abandoned projects, with the goal of giving the Jos and Bukuru metropolis a facelift.
“As you all know, infrastructure development that will drive economic growth is one of the cardinal agendas of this administration,” Laven stated.
“The governor has vowed to complete all abandoned projects in the state, and no part of the state will be left behind.”
“Between September 2023 and now, this government has rehabilitated and completed 49 road projects within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis,” he added.
Laven further explained that the current administration has not yet awarded any new road contracts, with the governor determined to complete all abandoned projects before initiating new ones.
Laven refuted Gagdi’s claims regarding the ongoing projects in the state, urging the lawmaker to acknowledge and support the developmental strides of the Mutfwang-led administration.
“The governor is focused on providing quality leadership to the people of Plateau. He will not be distracted by baseless allegations,” Laven said.
“Our governor has laid a solid and lasting foundation for the state, and all he needs now is the prayers and support of Plateau’s people for him to succeed.”
“I urge our brother, Gagdi, to focus on his duties as a lawmaker and allow the governor to concentrate on providing the leadership that Plateau people deserve,” Laven added.
In response, Gagdi, who also addressed reporters in Jos, reiterated that the allegations were his personal opinion.
“What I said was my personal opinion; I never insulted the governor or the government of Plateau,” Gagdi said.
“I stand by what I said because the people of my constituency have not yet felt the presence of the state government.”
“As their representative, it is my responsibility to speak up for them,” he concluded.
