The Plateau State Government has released N2 billion as counterpart funds for the implementation of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in the state.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this at the inauguration of the construction of three Agro-Logistic Centres in the state on Monday in Jos.
The governor said that the move aimed at boosting agro-business and rural infrastructure in the state.
Mutfwang explained that the agro-logistic centres would be domiciled at Mangu, Shendam and Bassa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“It took us quite a lot of financial engineering to be able to put these funds together.
” It is not easy to just release N2 billion with the current scarce resources.
“But because of the importance and impact of the project to our people, we took the hold step and released the funds.
“Let me say that this is a project that commenced in 2021 and by the time we came in in 2023 nothing had been done and we started afresh,” he said.
The governor said that his administration had enacted some laws and created some special agencies that would enable the smooth running of the project in the state.
He called on the Chairmen, traditional rulers and the people of the benefiting LGAs to take ownership of the project by ensuring that the contractors deliver quality jobs.
“Local government chairman and traditional rulers must take responsibility for these projects; you have the right to let us know if any of these projects are not being properly implemented.
“We can not spend huge money and not get value for money; I will never agree to any contractor to cut corners.
“We want to build roads that will last, and since this project is a rural based aimed at harnessing the abundant resources found on the Plateau, we will continue to support it in order to achieve the desired objectives,” he said
The governor further assured the people of the state of his commitment to serving them with diligence and accountability.
” Let me assure my people of Plateau that I’m here as your governor to serve you and will do everything with all due diligence and sincerity to meet your aspirations.
“This I will do not mind political affiliations or religious inclinations, but in line with our desire to bring development to all sectors of the economy,” Mutfwang promised.
In his remarks, Mr Aminu Mohammad, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, commended Plateau government for its commitment towards the implementation of the project in the state.
Mohammed, represented by Mr Salisu Abubakar, explained that the project is implemented in 19 states with the support of the World Bank and the Agence Frabcaise De Development (AFD).
He said that the project, particularly the agro centres, would improve service delivery to farmers and agro processors in the state.
He particularly said that Plateau was rated first among the benefitting states in the area of implementation.
“This is a bold declaration of our shared commitment to improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers, strengthening the agricultural value chain and promoting Rural economic growth.
“The agro-logistic centers we are are integral component of agro project, with the strategic objective to enhance market access through the both infrastructure development and market system
“RAAMP has come to stay and we are expecting additional funding of over 575 million dollars for another phase,” he said.
Also speaking, RAAMP Coordinator in the state, Mr Daniel Temsen said that the project had constructed 331 kilometre roads and 45 drainages across rural communities in the state.
Temsen, who thanked the governor for releasing the counterpart funds, called on the contractors to deliver the projects within specifications.
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