During a press briefing today, Dr. La’ah painted a stark picture of Kauru LGA as one of Kaduna State’s most underdeveloped areas, plagued by poor infrastructure and limited access to basic amenities. He singled out the deplorable road networks as the primary impediment, making it challenging for communities to access essential services, markets, and economic opportunities.
The Kwassam-Geshere-Mariri road is particularly crucial, serving as the sole link connecting communities across the three chiefdoms of the local government. It stretches from Pambeguwa, through Kauru town and the local government secretariat, to Kumana Chiefdom via Mariri in Lere LGA, and finally to Chawai Chiefdom. For years, its condition has been a "nightmare," with successive governments failing to complete its construction, leaving residents to grapple with worsening conditions, especially during the rainy season. This has severely impacted economic activities and the overall living standards of the people.
The joyous news, Dr. La’ah revealed, emerged from a recent meeting between the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, led by Mr. Bature Likoro, and Senator Sunday Marshal Katung, who represents the Southern Kaduna Senatorial district in the National Assembly. During this meeting, the abandoned Kwassam-Geshere-Mariri road project was prominently discussed.
Senator Katung reportedly confirmed that "all necessary arrangements have been concluded to award the contract for the construction of the road from Kwassam to Mariri, including the Kiban Gari bridge that has been a death trap to the people." He cited potential funding sources, including the Northwest Development Commission, as crucial to the project's imminent actualization.
Dr. La’ah expressed profound gratitude to Senator Katung, stating, "This exciting news is gladdening our hearts, and this is one of the major reasons for this gathering today – to express our gratitude to the distinguished Senator, Sunday Marshal Katung for his effort towards this noble project."
The road's completion is anticipated to transform Kauru LGA, connecting the entire local government into "one global community." This will eliminate the current arduous detours through Kubau LGA to Lere LGA for residents to travel between Kauru Emirate and Chawai Chiefdom. Kumana Chiefdom is also expected to be a major beneficiary, with the road linking and bringing numerous communities, including Nasarawan Kadage, Kwassam, Geshere, and Mariri, "out of bondage during the rainy season."
The Kauru Local Government CDAs Forum urged relevant authorities to expedite action on the project, emphasizing the need for the highest quality standards. Dr. La’ah lauded Senator Katung's "visionary leadership and commitment" to the LGA's development, affirming that his efforts have demonstrated a deep understanding of the communities' needs.
While acknowledging the ongoing Pambegua-Kauru road project by the Kaduna State Government, which is set to improve Kauru town's appearance, Dr. La’ah appealed for an extension of the federal project from Kauru town to Kwassam.
The forum believes the construction of the Kwassam-Geshere-Mariri road will not only alleviate transportation and communication difficulties but also foster socioeconomic development and help reduce the insecurity that has plagued the area, particularly in hard-to-reach communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.
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