Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has appealed to the Federal Government to embark on urgent intervention in some of the Federal roads in the State which are in a deplorable condition and causing untold hardship to motorists.
Governor Lalong was speaking when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on FERMA who are on over sight visit to Plateau State.
Governor Lalong said some of the roads include the Akwanga- forest-Jos road, Jos-Jingre-Saminaka-Pambegua road and Shendam-Lafia road among others which are in a deplorable condition.
He said “I want to appreciate the ongoing intervention in some of the roads such as the collapsed bridge in Wase, Mato-Kuka Taraba road, as well as Panyam-Shendam roads. However, we appeal for immediate intervention in the other roads such as the ever busy Jos-Abuja road which are in bad shape. We shall continue to work with the National Assembly particularly members of the House Committee on FERMA to ensure that this is done”.
Chairman of the Committee Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile assured the Governor that the Committee will do all within its power to ensure that there is intervention in the roads enumerated. He commended Governor Lalong for his development efforts in infrastructure, agriculture and peace.
Meanwhile the Governor also recieved a 7-Man Delegation from Federal Ministry of Agriculture Rural Development which is implementing the APPEALS project funded by the World Bank.
Governor Lalong while welcoming the team which is promoting Agro processing and value chain addition said Plateau is eager to join the second phase of the program because of the need to process perishable crops such as tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables which the State produces in abundance.
He presented the letter of intent to the team leader for onward presentation to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Leader of the team Dr. Tijjani Ahmed Ajayi said they were in the State for an assessment visit that will ascertain the readiness of Plateau to join the project and has been satisfied with the efforts of the State which has provided a project office, vehicles and other requirements. He requested the Government to address few areas that have been pointed out for improvement.
The Governor also received House Committee on Health led by its Chairman, Dr. Pascal Chigozie Obi who informed the Governor that they were in the State to inspect Federal Health institutions in the State such as the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Governor Lalong appealed to the Committee to facilitate the development of existing health institutions in the State and establishment of new ones in line with the efforts of the State to develop health tourism.
